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
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
– Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
– Eleiko Certified Olympic Weightlifting Strength Coach
Josh’s passion for fitness and high-performance sport began at an early age with martial arts training and later expanding into training and competing in bobsleigh. Driven to learn how to improve his own training and help others Josh graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber receiving a Bachelors of Kinesiology as well as a Diploma in Health and Fitness Promotion. Over the past few years, Josh has spent numerous hours continuing to further his understanding of respiration, GAIT (locomotion achieved through movement), and functional anatomy.
Now Josh uses an extensive battery of tests to assess clients and athletes’ physical capabilities. Using these tests and an in-depth understanding of human movement, functional anatomy and high-performance athletics Josh develops individualized programs to help clients and athletes improve their movement quality, reduce risk of injury and improve their performance.
Kenya Small
Strength and Conditioning Coach
– Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
– Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
– Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
– Cross Country Coach
– Precision Nutrition Certified
Yaath Rajshankar
Strength and Conditioning Coach
– Bachelor’s of Kinesiology
– NCCP multisport certified
– Paddle Canada – Tandem Moving Water
– Outdoor Council of Canada – Hiking Field Leader, Paddle Field Leader, Overnight Leader
– Pending – 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.
Book A Coach Consult
Schedule a complimentary meeting with one of our expert coaches to discuss your goals and the best training options for you.