Meet the Team

Chris Schwarz, B.Sc., Kin, R.Kin. ICF

Founder & Director of Performance and Development


Performance Coach | Return to Play & Performance

Chris brings over 30 years of experience working with elite and developing athletes across Canada, the USA, and Europe. His approach focuses on strategic plans for performance, and long-term development.  

  • Director of Performance Ottawa Red Blacks. (present)

  • Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Ottawa Senators (13 years)

  • Head Strength Coach – New York Islanders (2 years)

  • Former professional volleyball athlete.  France, Belgium.

Alex Vaduva, B.Sc., CSCS

Performance Coach | Return to Play and Performance

Alex has over a decade of experience working with athletes at all levels and all ages, helping them build strength, power, and resilience. His coaching blends high-performance training with a strong understanding of long-term and return to play protocols.

  • Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Canadian International Hockey Academy (7 years)

  • Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – Dalhousie Men’s Volleyball (3 years)

  • Experience with NHL, AHL, and U SPORTS athletes

Josh Dawson, R.Kin, B.HK.

Registered Kinesiologist | Performance Coach | Return to Play & Performance

Josh works with athletes and clients across all levels to improve strength, power, speed, and overall performance. With a background in competitive sport, he brings an athlete-focused approach to training and development.

  • Experience with athletes from the youth age, competitive level, Jr, CHL, CIS, NCAA, AHL, PWHL, & NHL. 

  • Assisted with two NHL training camps for the Ottawa Senators

  • Former competitive hockey player & mountain runner 

  • Outdoor enthusiast

Skylar Lentz, R.Kin, B.H.K., CSCS, TPI

Registered Kinesiologist | Strength & Conditioning Coach

Skylar works with athletes and high-performing individuals to develop strength, power, and consistency in their training—while building the confidence needed to perform in high-pressure moments. His approach combines hands-on coaching experience with a strong foundation in kinesiology and strength & conditioning to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and high performance.

  • Experience with athletes from the NHL, KHL, OHL, and QMJHL.

  • Training experience with national-level volleyball athletes & collegiate golfers

  • Former Junior A hockey player

Liam Hickey

Liam focuses on developing young athletes through structured training, helping them build confidence, strength, and overall performance. His background as a multi-sport athlete allows him to connect well with developing athletes.

  • Former college basketball player – Rookie of the Year

  • OFSAA Champion – Basketball

  • Basketball skills development coach

Performance Coach | Strength & Conditioning

Emma Wagner, BScH

Emma combines her academic background in kinesiology with hands-on experience working with varsity athletes. She focuses on building strength, resilience, and confidence in athletes at all levels.

  • 3-year Strength & Conditioning internship with Queen’s varsity athletics

  • Experience with youth to U SPORTS athletes

  • Former competitive alpine ski racer

 Performance Coach | Youth & Athlete Development

Liz Windley, B.H.K.

Liz works with developing athletes to build strength, confidence, and overall performance. She focuses on youth and female athlete development, bringing a strong background in team environments and structured program design.

● Experience coaching with University of Ottawa men’s and women’s volleyball, and women’s soccer
● Lead coach for OPDL and Regional programs
● Experience supporting athletes through ACL recovery and return to play
● Former competitive rugby and track athlete

Performance Coach | Youth Athlete Development

Nick Silva, B.Sc., CSCS, CAT(C)

Performance Coach | Strength & Conditioning | Return to Play

Nick works with athletes and general population clients to improve strength, performance, and overall development. With a background in both strength & conditioning and athletic therapy, he supports clients through performance training, injury recovery, and return to play.

● Strength & Conditioning Coach – Syracuse Crunch (AHL affiliate of Tampa Bay Lightning)
● Summer coach for FitQuest Elite performance groups
● Experience working with NCAA, U SPORTS (CIS), and OHL athletes
● Former NCAA Division III men’s lacrosse athlete
● Certified Athletic Therapist (Canada & USA)

Let’s Work Together

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