The Leading Edge: Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Rachel Cook
ACSM Certified/Nutritionist

Educational Experience:

B.S. University of Massachusetts Amherst, Human Nutrition

Areas of Greatest Expertise:

Core Stabilization &Strength, BOSU Cross Training, High Intensity Training, Lifestyle & Behavior modifications.

Interests:

Running Local Races, Trying new and challenging things, Photography, Enjoying the outdoors & spending time with family

Philosophy: Exercise should be fun, creative and challenging; balanced with a healthy lifestyle, exercise is for everyone! Write down your goals, be consistent, and be positive. Results will follow a positive trail of thought.

Chuck Holt
Certified NASM

Chuck has been a trainer for 5 years and is passionate about the field. Chuck moved here from NYC where he trained at the New York Sports Club’s in Midtown and Soho. Prior to moving to NYC he was an All American Baseball Player at Holyoke Community College. He went onto Flagler College were he earned his degree in Performing Arts with a minor in Creative Writing. At Flagler he was also the Captain of the Flagler Baseball team. Besides training in New York, Chuck also taught acting and movement for the stage at the Creative Art Laboratory for over 2 years. This combination of Arts and Athletics lead to Chuck’s philosophy of fitness. He strongly believes that developing balance, core strength and good posture will allow the body to reach its full potential.

Stepahnie May

Certified NSCA-CPT

Stephanie graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B. S in Exercise Science. Before graduating she worked as a personal trainer at Kinetics Adult Fitness in Hadley, eventually working her way up to the facilities Club Director. Stephanie also worked as a group fitness instructor teaching sculpting classes.
Stephanie incorporates kickboxing, plyometrics and interval training into her client’s routines while keeping strength training the main focus. She also uses Metabolic Typing, a holistic approach to nutrition, to help her clients develop healthy eating habits. Stephanie has an athletic background, running track at the high school and collegiate level. Her interest in different types of training has allowed her to work with clients of all ages and skill sets. Her wide range of clients includes seniors working to improve posture and functional strengthand men looking to improve muscle strength and size.

Anne Roberts
Certified ACE

Anne graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. After working as an engineer she discovered that, although very profitable, left her feeling unfulfilled. Instead, she decided to pursue her love of fitness and deep desire to help people, to become a trainer. Anne has been a trainer for the past 7 years across the country from Montana to Maryland. She has developed programs for a variety of people during this time, ranging from an 80 year old woman who wanted to canoe to moms who are trying to chase after their kids while losing their "baby weight”. Aside from training, Anne has been a group exercise instructor teaching boot camp, strength and toning, ab class, circuit training, youth fitness and teen strength training. Through her years of experience she has learned that everyone is different and designing a good exercise program is only part of the key to achieving results. Developing relationships with her clients is a very important part of her programs.

Anne is passionate about being healthy and specializes in clients who want to make a positive change in their life for their health and wellbeing. She has a strong belief that achieving a healthy lifestyle will help prevent disease and other issues. Due to her personal experience with cancer , she is currently studying to become a Cancer Exercise Specialist. Anne is excited about joining the Leading Edge team.

Melissa Thornton - Fitness Director
Certified: National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainer, National Strength and Conditioning Assoc. (NSCA) Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Pre/Post Natal, American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid, FMS Specialist

Education
M.S. in Exercise Science, Southern Connecticut State U., B.S. in Athletic Training, Springfield College

Areas of Greatest Expertise
Total Body Conditioning, injury prevention and rehabilitation, weight loss, balance/core strength

Activities/Interests
Skiing, softball, watching sports, reading, spending time with my family

Philosophy
Exercise is for everyone!! The key is finding the form of exercise that you enjoy and staying excited about it. When that happens, exercise becomes a part of your life. Setting small goals and being consistent will bring results.