We have a team of professional coaches at Altitude ready and capable of helping athletes of any skill level achieve their health, wellness or sporting goals.
Josh Downer
Director of Performance & Coaching
– MSc. Kinesiology – University of Toronto
– BSc. Kinesiology – University of Guelph-Humber
– Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
– Diploma Health & Fitness Promotion – Humber College
– Eleiko Certified Olympic Weightlifting Strength Coach
– Pre-Script Nutrition Certification
Josh is the Director of Performance & Coaching at Altitude Athletic Training, where he leads the coaching team and oversees the design and delivery of evidence-based programs for clients ranging from everyday fitness enthusiasts to elite athletes and mountaineers. With over a decade of experience across clinical, academic, and high-performance sport settings, Josh specializes in movement analysis, exercise physiology, and hypoxic training to help individuals achieve their peak performance and health goals.
Josh was pivotal in building Altitude’s foundation, developing performance standards and coaching systems, and now plays a central role in scaling Altitude’s impact and guiding long-term growth.
His journey in high-performance sport began with martial arts and later expanded into competitive bobsleigh, marathon running, and now strongman sport. Beyond coaching, Josh taught in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education during his MSc. and mentors kinesiology student interns through Altitude Athletic Training’s internship program in partnership with Ontario Universities.
Josh holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph-Humber, and a Health & Fitness Promotion diploma from Humber College. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS), with additional certifications in endurance coaching (Altis), Olympic weightlifting (Eleiko), and nutrition coaching (Pre-Script).
Yaath Rajshankar
Strength and Conditioning Coach
– Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
– Bachelor’s of Kinesiology
– NCCP multisport certified
– Paddle Canada – Tandem Moving Water
– Outdoor Council of Canada – Hiking Field Leader, Paddle Field Leader, Overnight Leader
– ACMG TR Course Instructor
Growing up, Yaath played various sports but dedicated most of his time to playing competitive soccer. After career-ending concussions, he transitioned into studying Kinesiology at the University of Toronto and found a new passion for the outdoors. Yaath is now an avid outdoorsman and rock climber. Yaath is a 4-season adventurer who loves to embark on multi-day backcountry expeditions, whether paddling, trekking, or mountaineering. He is currently training for sports climbing and is working towards being a big wall climber and a stronger mountaineer in the future. Yaath actively strives to combine his life passions with academia in his professional practice at Altitude Athletic Training.
Laura-Ellen de Vries
Strength and Conditioning Coach
– Master’s of Human Movement Sciences
– Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
– NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (RSCCD*D in progress)
– Running Mechanics Professional – Level 1 – in progress
– NCCP Certifications:
– Weightlifting Competition – Introduction – Trained
– Gymnastics Foundations – Artistic – Certified
– Gymnastics Foundations – Trampoline – Trained
– Gymnastics Introduction to Competition WAG & MAG – in progress
Laura-Ellen is a dedicated and highly knowledgeable coach, known for her innovative methods and commitment to helping clients achieve their fitness and performance goals. With a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from McMaster University and a Master’s of Human Movement Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, she combines a strong academic background with practical experience.
Laura-Ellen has served in various coaching roles, including Lead Coach of Fitness and Performance at the University of Toronto, Head Coach at the Canadian Sport School, and instructor at Camosun College. She holds multiple certifications, including NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and several NCCP certifications.
Passionate about integrating scientific research with practical training, Laura-Ellen creates effective, individualized programs that empower clients to reach their full potential.
Jackey Kuang
Strength and Conditioning Coach
– Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
– Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
– Varsity Rugby Player & OUA All-Star
Jackey is a dedicated coach with a background in kinesiology, athletic performance, and rehabilitation, completing his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto. As a varsity rugby player and OUA All-Star, Jackey brings firsthand experience from playing high-performance rugby, earning provincial and national recognition. This athletic journey has shaped his understanding of the demands placed on elite athletes and fueled his passion for helping others excel in sports and fitness.
Growing up in British Columbia, Jackey fell in love with hiking and the outdoors, developing a deep appreciation for the natural environment and physical challenges. This passion for adventure continues to influence his holistic approach to fitness, emphasizing not only performance but also the joy of movement and exploration.
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