our instructors

the teamWho Make It All Happen

FITNESS

OUR INSTRUCTORS

THE TEAMWHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN

FITNESS

COACH

Jen DiCandia

I live and breathe fitness, I am a self-proclaimed gym rat. I believe that health is wealth and that nutrition is the key component to living your best life. I started my fitness career in San Diego when I moved cross country after college. While in San Diego I discovered my true passion…helping others live a happy healthy fit lifestyle! I moved back to MA and met my husband…and well the rest is history. I am now a mother of 3 little ones, our family lives the life, we walk the walk. Upon moving to MA I opened up a small studio on my own and quickly outgrew the space and expanded into larger facilities with a team of NV trainers. I created NV with the goal to create the perfect fitness experience for our clients.

Personally I have placed top 5 in many Figure and Bikini competitions, triathlons, half marathons, obstacle races….if there is a competitive edge I am there. “Nothing in life is accomplished without passion”

– BS in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition

– Certified nutritionist

– NASM certified personal trainer

– ISYA certified youth trainer

– TRX certified

COACH

Erin Garceau

At the age of 4, my parents introduced me to soccer and I instantly fell in love with the sport. As I grew older, I played on the MA ODP State Team and played premier for the Boston Bolts. My coach saw a leader in me, named me captain and we hustled our way to Nationals coming in 3rd place. I was recruited to play for the UMass Lowell Women’s Soccer team and played for 3 strong years but received my 5th concussion causing me to red-shirt my senior year. This concussion also ended my soccer career as I was told I was no longer allowed to play the sport. From this devastating news, I found my love for lifting and coaching and have been doing both ever since. I am addicted to endorphins whether it’s being at the gym, hiking with my dogs or running around with my U-12 girl’s soccer team. It is my passion to become the healthiest version of myself and to help others lead a healthy life.

COACH

Meghan Wood

I grew up competitive dancing in Western MA and have always made dancing and movement a priority in my life. My happy place has always been performing and thriving on the energy of being on a strong team with the same passion. The stage and studio was where I developed the confidence I needed as a kid! While working full time in the finance industry, I have taught barre classes, studied Pilates and yoga, choreographed for local dance companies and dance teams, was captain of the Boston Blazers Lacrosse Dance Team, dancer for the Boston Cannons Lacrosse Dance Team and a finalist for the Patriots Cheerleaders. I was on a dance team or in a dance company well into my thirties! After having my daughter, I craved movement and found a love for strength training, boxing, and spin. Once NV moved to town, I was hooked like I was a little kid on that dance stage again! I’m so excited to be a part of the coaching team and bring my energy to the wonderful clients at Nv!

COACH

Linnea Haddock

Linnea is a Body Arts and Sciences International Certified Pilates Instructor. She grew up in Canada, England, Singapore, and Santa Barbara. Across these moves, formal dance training provided an important constant and introduced her to Pilates. She was attracted to Pilates by its emphasis on the mind/body connection and strength building. Inspired by Pilates’ ability to rehabilitate her body and enhance her well-being through her first two pregnancies, Linnea completed pre and postnatal Pilates training at EHS Preggo Pilates in San Francisco. This training furthered her practice and enhanced her knowledge during her third pregnancy.

Linnea has been teaching Pilates since 2009. She aims to inspire, support, and guide clients, beginner to advanced, as they increase whole body awareness, remediate imbalances, enhance strengths, and move with integrity. When working with Linnea, clients can expect a climate of warmth, acceptance, and sensitivity to their needs and goals.

Linnea views the practice of Pilates as a lifelong pursuit. She learns from and finds inspiration in her fellow teachers and through regular workshops, seminars, and conferences. When she is not practicing or teaching Pilates, Linnea enjoys time with her three sons and her husband, cooking, swimming, dancing, music, art, and hiking.

COACH

Jenna O’Toole

Jenna O’Toole has been a fitness instructor in group fitness classes for over 12 years. She lives in Sterling with her 8 year-old twin boys and her 4 year-old daughter and their dog, a Boxer named Maverick. Aside from spending time with her family and shuffling her kids to their various sporting events, Jenna enjoys spending time outdoors, running and hiking, reading, and cooking. She has a Masters in Marketing and a background in outside sales. She has been with the Sterling NV location since it’s opening and enjoys working with the amazing clients and helping each and everyone achieve their fitness goals!

COACH

Sydney Morrissey

I am currently a biology student on a pre-occupational therapy track at Assumption University, where I am a member of the rowing team. My passion for fitness was ignited through classes at NV and the meaningful relationships I built with the amazing coaches there. Growing up in Sterling, it brings me immense happiness to work for a gym that holds a special place in my heart. Sharing my passion for fitness with my community is incredibly fulfilling. My goal is to help people build their confidence and create healthy lifestyles. Additionally, I aspire to be an advocate and inspiration for other young individuals who are interested in exploring the gym and embracing a fitness journey.

COACH

Jill Mongeau Gaines

Meet Jill, a seasoned triathlete and equestrian (and one time marathoner!) who has dedicated her life to health and fitness and recently joined NV Fitness’s team of dedicated instructors. With a passion for staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Jill has become a role model for those around her. Her journey began at a young age in the world of competitive gymnastics, where she discovered the benefits of regular exercise and proper nutrition. Over the years, Jill was certified as an aerobics instructor under the tutelage of Denise Tucker, one of Gin Miller’s original Reebok Step Instructors and a personal trainer. Jill expanded her expertise to include pre and post-natal fitness as well as kid’s fitness, partnering with local elementary schools to create an after-school fitness program to excite young children to the fun of fitness. From there she found her sweet spot teaching spin and slide.

Jill believes in the power of exercise to boost confidence, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for an open water swim, or taking a walk with her dogs, Jill incorporates fitness into every aspect of her daily routine.

As a firm believer in leading by example, Jill inspires others, including her two children to prioritize their health and well-being. She encourages individuals of all ages to embrace a healthy lifestyle and discover the transformative effects of regular exercise. With her positive attitude and unwavering determination, Jill continues to inspire those around her to live their best, healthiest lives.

COACH

Meg Briggs

Fitness and sports have played a large role throughout my life. I was on the crew team at Shrewsbury High School and continued my athletic career in college at the University of New Hampshire. I was appointed the captain of my college team my sophomore year and held that leadership position through my senior year. Although my collegiate career had to come to an end, I would continue to find new ways to continue my passion for fitness. I have competed in triathlons and multiple day charity bike rides, and then decided to go to school for Occupational Therapy. In 2018, I completed my personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and have trained clients through personal training sessions and group fitness classes. I enjoy pushing people out of their comfort zones to show them their true potential! Outside of the gym, I enjoy engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, paddle boarding and biking.

COACH

AMY WIMER

In 2009 Amy knew she had a true calling for nutrition and physical fitness not only for herself but others. That’s when she realized this was her true love and it was time to share the fun.

Over the past decade she has competed in 15 fitness competitions, worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, coached hundreds of women for competitions and lifestyle goals. Currently her full time job is a medical sales professional.

She loves all dogs and currently has two Buggs with her husband Jamie -Thor and Waldo.

What can I say – through and through I’m a gym unicorn and love helping others be and bring their best.

COACH

STACIE VENAGRO

Stacie Venagro is a Certified Fitness Professional who is the reigning FIVE time World Fitness Champion and 2014 Fitness Universe Champion. She has carved her place in history as the only all natural athlete to ever win back to back multiple World titles and championships.

As an elite and master trainer as well as a gym owner, in New England, Stacie is responsible for coaching weekend warriors, athletes and women and men who are seeking physique transformations, through weight loss and lifestyle changes.

Stacie’s athletic background and knowledge covers a wide variety of sports including gymnastics, cross country, basketball, dance and weight training. She has been involved in gymnastics and dance for the last 25 years and coached and choreographed hundreds of young students and adults to success.

She believes in living by example for the younger generation and to instill healthy habits both in the gym and in the kitchen.

Stacie’s initial passion for fitness was personal. She initially learned about personal training at the age of 18, as many of her family members were struggling with obesity. At a young age, she took control of her future, and decided to live a healthy lifestyle. While improving her own health, she inspired both her family and friends and she has remained a source of motivation, and empowerment for her wide span of clients who range from teenagers to senior citizens.

As a well known trainer, Stacie is known for tough love, but there is “more love than tough” in her philosophy. “I am committed to treating every client like family. I want them to not only transform physically, but I want them to take control of their life emotionally and spiritually. My greatest gift I can give is to show my clients that fitness goals can be fun, and something that can last a lifetime.”

Stacie is now a mom and helps tons of women all over the world transform their bodies post baby. She understands the female body and what it’s gone through during pregnancy. As she knows first hand, patience is key. As much as we all went to go back to our pre-baby weight bodies we have to give ourselves time to get there. Your body just created a human and that’s an amazing gift that didn’t happen over night.

Lastly, Stacie has been featured in magazines around the world. She has been featured in Oxygen Magazine, Natural Muscle Magazine and Strong Fitness magazine. She contributes an article every month to ShopRI to educate others on health and well-being.

COACH

Lauren Casavant

I’ve been coaching for 18 years, along with being a competitive athlete myself. I swam, ran, and completed at top level for obstacle course racing. I’m an endurance athlete, having run 10 marathons and done a handful of 24 hour events.

My goal as a coach is to help clients become the best version of themselves. I believe that everyone deserves support while they build their own healthy habits and that simple movements can bring balance and wellness to our lives.

COACH

ANITA FEHR

It’s crazy to imagine my life without fitness, and yet for so many years I did not make it a priority at all. Now as I embrace a new decade, I am so grateful I started when I did and can’t ever imagine a day that I won’t be chasing that dopamine high.

What started as a personal “bucket list” goal, completely changed my life. The daunting, difficult, yet euphoric idea of running a half marathon captivated me. And so I ran a total of 5 and was able to accomplish my goal of a sub 1:45. I saw the value in a good programming, training well and being committed to the goals I set for myself. But it wasn’t enough. Running alone wasn’t what this 40 year old body required.

Navigating the injuries that can accompany long miles (both physical and hormonal in my case), I let the gym take the front seat and started strength training. Self taught in the beginning, (thank you Oxygen magazine!), rubbing shoulders with those more knowledgeable than I and just showing up and seeing results had me hooked. I’ve never looked back. This self improvement endeavour has now turned into training and teaching other women the value of strength training and all it entails.

I received my Certificate of PT in 2018 and since then my certificate as a Holistic Nutrition Weight Loss Coach. My goal is to empower, inspire, teach and coach other women to embrace the process, enjoy the journey and live their best and strongest life! Personally, I am on a mission to continually grow, become the best best version of myself while expanding my knowledge as I serve my clients to the best of my ability.