Our coaches
Mike Sheehan
Head Coach
I started my fitness journey playing football in high school. The camaraderie that I found on that field was only matched in one other sport – CrossFit. It is the only form of exercise I have found that encourages all ages and fitness levels to participate. There is beauty in a class having all different fitness levels, from two athletes trying to kill themselves just to have a better time than the other, to a father of four just wanting to keep up with his kids when they are older. To me, this is community.
Twelve years ago, I transitioned from athlete to coach. Since then, I have amassed numerous certifications and added CrossFit Regional level experience to my repertoire as both an athlete and a judge. Over the past 15 years, I have spent the bulk of my personal exercise programming with Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Athletic Development, and CrossFit. Participating in these activities has given me a deeper understanding of what my clients are experiencing. I have worked with individuals at all levels and encourage everyone to come and join a functional fitness class!
Virginia Burbidge
Coach
I grew up in Beaverlodge and now reside in Wembley with my hubby. I completed a 2-year personal training program at NWP and obtained my personal trainer diploma. I am a CSEP Certified Personal Trainer and a Level 1 Precision Nutrition coach. Other certificates: CSEP-pre/post-natal specialization, SMCA athletic injury management, standard first aid and CPR-C.
My goal is to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable in a workout environment, giving my clients the knowledge and support to exercise and reach their ultimate goals. I strongly believe in the benefits of exercise not just for our physical health but also for our mental health. I can help you improve your nutrition as well as any food behavioural patterns you might be struggling with. I tailor each exercise program to my client to help them achieve their goals, including Weight Loss, Strength, Conditioning, Injury Management, Mental Health improvement and more!
Kathy Buckley
Coach
I am an advocate for healthy joyful living! I have been a personal trainer for the past 8+ years and am joining VIGOR as a group coach. I love watching people gain confidence as they increase in strength and do things they never thought possible. I’m all about movement in and out of the gym; hiking mountains, swimming in rivers, running trails, and lifting heavy weights. I have 4 children and hope to teach and inspire them to live their best, healthiest lives!
Our founder
Mélise Sears
I first joined a CrossFit gym in 2018. Prior to that I’d tried aerobics, Zumba, Step, Pilates, etc. I loved the methodology of functional fitness and the fact that I was never bored. I looked forward to coming to class to see the community, receive personal instruction, and to participate in workouts that tempered my anxiety and didn’t leave me feeling unmotivated and uncoordinated. Gaining strength and mobility made other activities I loved easier. I opened this gym in 2022 to bring these benefits to other everyday people so we could all enjoy better health and well-being.