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.
Kelsey O’Neill
Certifications: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Kelsey O’Neill has been in the fitness industry since 2014. She holds a BS in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University. She is a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as well as a Certified Reboundologist through ReboundAir. Kelsey got her start in the industry in 2014 when she was a senior in college. She started her at home training business “Jumping2Fit Health” to help young couples get fit together as well as help older exercisers improve their overall function and quality of life. Soon after that, she began instructing both small and large group personal training based around her passion for rebounding and interval training. Kelsey enjoys working with all ages and ability levels and has done specific conditioning for most all sports or activities from running to bodybuilding. She particularly enjoys working with those who are intimidated by the gym but are motivated to make positive lifestyle changes in their lives. Her sessions incorporate a variety of training modalities which include but are not limited to strength training, rebounding, pilates, fascial release, balance and coordination as well as meditation. Kelsey’s favorite exercises are those which focus on posture and core strength such as farmer’s walks because of how well they help align the body and strengthen the core. In her free time she enjoys meditating, singing/dancing, being out in nature, cooking/eating and sleeping as rest and recovery is a crucial component of optimal human movement.
Philosophy on Training: “Keep Personal Training Personal.” Every BODY and everybody is different, not only physically but also biologically and genetically. Kelsey believes that there is no one routine that works for everyone. Cookie cutter fitness programs do not take into account each clients’ emotional, physical and mental needs. She strives to make sure that each person she works with gets the education, support, accountability and motivation needed to accomplish whatever health and wellness goals they may have. When you are ready to learn, Kelsey is ready to teach!!!
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: kelseyo@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
Shannon Roark
Certifications: American Council on Exercise
Shannon Roark has been working in the fitness industry since 2014. She got her start teaching group exercise classes and has been teaching at Waverley Oaks since 2016. After years of working for the State of Massachusetts, she decided that the fitness industry was her true passion and her career evolved into doing personal training as well as continuing to teach classes. She holds a double major BA in both Accounting and Criminology from Stonehill College. Shannon is a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor through the American College of Exercise (ACE). She is also a certified Les Mills Instructor teaching BodyPump and BodyCombat here at the club as well as an instructor Assessor which means she evaluates prospective teachers as they learn to become certified Les Mills instructors. Shannon was recently accepted into the onboarding process to become a Les Mills National Trainer & Presenter, where she will travel the country presenting Les Mills formats and training instructors to teach the formats. She also teaches MX4 small group training classes here at the club.
Shannon enjoys working with all ages and fitness levels to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. Her favorite exercise is the squat for a myriad of reasons. Not only is it a great lower body exercise that allows one to strengthen and tone the lower body, but the squat also allows her to evaluate and improve overall total body function given the total body involvement in the movement. Shannon also loves that squats are portable and have numerous means of progression to keep them challenging. She has all of her clients doing strength training and loves helping her clients (especially women) who might be intimidated by strength training, to see that weight training is something to embrace and not something to be scared of. In her free time Shannon enjoys spending time with her family (especially her 3 young nieces), reading, watching re-runs of Friends and The Office and of course pumping iron!
Philosophy on Training: With exercise there is truly something for everyone…..there is no need to force yourself into a style of training that doesn’t work just because it might work for someone else. I will help you find what works for you so that together we can create a habitual pattern of regular physical activity. Exercise can be and should be FUN. Together we will find what works for YOU!!!
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: shannonr@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.
Scott Mahon – Certified Personal Trainer
Certifications: National Academy of Sport Medicine (NASM)
Scott Mahon has been involved in physical activity his entire life, whether on competitive fields or out and about in the mountains. After spending his first few year after college working out on the islands in Boston Harbor for the DCR, Scott realized that he wanted to get involved with helping people live healthier and happier lives through personal training. Scott received his BS in Sports and Motion Science from Salem State College with a concentration in Parks and Recreation Management in 2015. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Scott enjoys working with all populations, regardless if they have been exercising for years, or are just getting started. He particularly enjoys working with football and lacrosse players, as well as skiers and snowboarders as these are the sports he participated in both competitively and recreationally growing up and still to this day. Scott places an emphasis on strength work with his clients to help them get stronger, tone up, raise their metabolism, improve posture and improve quality of life/sports performance. He frequently uses TRX, kettlebells and Olympic lifts with his clients to help them reach their health and wellness goals but can easily adapt to each clients’ needs, level of fitness and goals. His favorite exercise is the deadlift because of its diversity, application to all populations and its total body strengthening benefits-from your legs all the way to your upper back and shoulders. Another reason this is such a valuable exercise is because it does a tremendous job of strengthening the core muscles as well which is where all movements in our body originate from. This is crucial because it will lead to better posture and all around better form while working out. Without good posture and core stabilization, an individual’s strength and functionality will be limited and risk of injury potentially higher. The deadlift is a fantastic strength exercise to give you a rock solid foundation to build off of for all subsequent strength work. In his free time Scott enjoys camping, rock climbing, snowboarding, fishing, disc golf and course working out.
Philosophy on Training: You will get out of training what you put into it. Your hard work will not go unnoticed when it comes to regular physical activity and proper nutrition. Stay the course, give it your best effort each time you exercise and you WILL see changes-both physically and mentally.
For more information or to schedule an appointment email: scottm@waverleyoaks.com
To read member success stories from Scott’s clients click HERE.
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.
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
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