Meet The Coaches

  • Chris Schwarz, BSc, Kin, R.Kin Founder & Director of Performance and Development

    Over 30 years experience as Performance Coach working with elite, developing and “Sport Active” athletes in Canada, USA and Europe.

    • 13 years Ottawa Senators Hockey Club - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

    • 2 years Head Strength Coach New York Islanders Hockey Club

    • Registered Kinesiologist

    • Former Professional Athlete. Volleyball

  • Alex Vaduva, B.Sc., CSCS

    Over 12 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach helping elite athletes develop to their fullest potential and helping individuals with the rehabilitation process to a healthier lifestyle.

    • 7 years Head Strength and Conditioning Coach with Canadian International Hockey Academy

    • 3 years Head Strength and Conditioning Coach with Dalhousie Mens Volleyball Team

    • Assisted with 4 Training Camps with Ottawa Senators Hockey Club

    • Coached hundreds of athletes from NHL, AHL, CIS

  • Nick Silva, BSc., CSCS, CAT (C)

    With a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Therapy from the University of Mount Union, Nick has been practicing as a Strength & Conditioning Coach and Athletic Therapist for over 4 years. Nick specializes in working with athletes and general populations alike to help clients develop towards their goals, while assisting with performance both mentally and physically.

    • Former NCAA D3 Men’s Lacrosse Athlete

    • Has experience working with multiple sport athletes in NCAA, CIS, OHL

    • Certified by the Canadian Athletic Therapist Association (Canada) and the Board of Certification (USA)

  • Josh Dawson, B.H.K.

    With an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa and years of involvement playing competitive sports, Josh has experience with fitness training and high performance development. With a passion for sports, exercise science, and people, Josh has worked with athletes and individuals at all levels, helping them maximize their potential, reach goals, improve athletic performance, and maintain physical and mental wellbeing.

    • Experience working with athletes from Youth, Varsity, and Junior levels. (CIS, OHL)

    • Competitive Spartan Racer – Ranked 3rd in Canada in Age Group (2017)

    • Former competitive hockey player.

    • Plans to challenge CSCS (2023) and work towards becoming an R.Kin.

  • Skylar Lentz, R.KIN, BHK, CSCS, CPT

    Skylar is a Registered Kinesiologist and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with years of experience coaching athletes and high-performing clients. He holds an Honors Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario.

    A former Junior A hockey player, Skylar combines firsthand athletic experience with science-based training to help clients perform at their best—physically and mentally. His approach emphasizes not only building strength, power, and resilience, but also developing the focus, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in big moments. By blending formal credentials with years of hands-on coaching, Skylar designs programs tailored to the unique demands of each individual—from elite athletes to driven professionals.

    Credentials & Experience
    • Registered Kinesiologist (College of Kinesiologists of Ontario)
    • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS)
    • Experience working with hockey players in the KHL, OHL, and QMJHL
    • Training expertise with national-level volleyball athletes

  • Liam Hickey

    Liam has competed as an elite athlete in a variety of different sports and has trained for years as a Fitquest Athlete. His passion for high performance training and coaching has developed him into a coach that is dedicated and able to communicate. Liam has worked with numerous aspiring athletes from youth to the college level and has helped them optimize their potential and reach their personal goals.

    -College Diploma in Recreation and Leisure and Sports Management from Algonquin College

    - Former College Basketball Player & named Rookie of the year

    - OFSAA Champion: Basketball

    - Basketball Skills Development Coach

  • Emma Wagner, BScH

    Emma holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Queen’s University where she completed a strength and conditioning internship with varsity athletics. Her background in competitive sport, coaching, and athletic performance research helps her combine practical expertise and strong interpersonal skills in her approach to help others build confidence, resilience, and enhance performance.

    ·      Trained athletes across youth to USports levels in multiple sports

    ·      3-year Strength & Conditioning internship working with varsity & club athletes at Queen’s University

    ·      Former competitive alpine ski racer