OUR BLENDED ATHLETICS’ TEAM
CEO & OWNER
David Rafuse
Arm wrestling, push up challenges and some good old country living (aka, endless amounts of yard work). I’m grateful that these memories make up some of my fondest moments as a child.
I don’t have an inspiring fitness transformation story for you, I have consistency, hard work and a genuine love for working out. I grew up in a family of six, with parents who educated us on healthy eating, encouraged us to exercise and provided us the opportunity to play sports. To top it off I grew up with a mom who was an entrepreneur and stories of a grandfather that was a business mogul in his time.
I opened Blended Athletics in 2013 when I was 26 years old. Pursuing Excellence is more than two words on the front of the building, its the philosophy of our brand, it’s my life, and I want to share it with people who love fitness as much as I do. My hope is members will use Blended Athletics to improve themselves personally, professionally and socially in a never ending pursuit of becoming the best version of themselves.
FULL TIME TEAM
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND SALES
Kimberley Kidd
Kimberley has been overseeing the smooth operation of Blended since the doors opened in 2013 and her logistical mind for operations in the service industry is unmatched. Kim's education as a professional operator began as a child at her parents restaurant. Since then Kim has gone on to hold positions in the hotel as well as airline industries. It is no understatement to say Kim has spent her entire life learning the best practices to deliver a premier customer experience. Away from work, Kim is a world traveller at heart! There is no space in her passport she wont try and fill.
PERSONAL TRAINER
Sebastian Herrerias
This skateboarding, surfing, east coast transplant came to Blended Athletics after being a coordinator with the YMCA in Ottawa. At Blended, Sebastian has focused his time to help his clients maintain their physical freedom by allowing them to move pain free. His fundamental anatomy knowledge comes from an anthropological background trying to understand behaviours and activities of individuals based on their skeletal remains and how those structures have modified from stresses put upon them.
PERSONAL TRAINER - CONFIDENCE COACH
Jordan Forbes
Jordan began his fitness journey with a passion for baseball at the age of 15, beginning to weight train in order to improve his baseball performance. Since then, Jordan has nurtured his passion for weight lifting, health, and overall fitness. Through his journey, Jordan discovered how important mobility, stability, and strength are for general fitness and longevity. By using his “supple approach” strategy, Jordan helps his clients achieve their goals of overall longevity while preventing injury. Jordan takes pride in facing challenges head-on, using his determination to overcome obstacles together with his clients.
PERSONAL TRAINER & COACH
Jason Ward
Jason started his career in fitness after graduating from Acadia University in 2008. However, his personal health journey started long before that. Jason's journey with fitness started out of a need to feel better about himself. Through his own self discovery Jason realized that his happiness was not provided by the number on the scale but in the pursuit to move and feel better as a person! Today, Jason's strength is in his ability to connect with people and help them develop the mindset need to truly change their behaviour long term.
PERSONAL TRAINER - STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
Katelyn Hetherington
Working together, my clients can gain the confidence and feeling of safety that come with having a trusted partner in their journey towards health and fitness. As their personal trainer, I make sure to create a unique plan that caters to their individual needs, knowing that their fitness needs are being heard. My appreciation for how intimidating it can be to take on this sort of journey helps strengthen this bond between us and gives my clients the peace of mind they need to stay focused.
COACH
JOSH ELBOURNE
He will guide you on your path to fitness with his brand "Grit Grind Grow." His commitment to fitness goes beyond the surface, creating programs that shape not just bodies, but minds and lifestyles. With a deep understanding of the synergy between physical activity and mental well-being, Josh’s training approach is holistic and all-encompassing. Every program he designs is unique, tailored to match your specific needs, and supported by regular check-ins to keep you motivated and accountable. With Josh, you're not just signing up for a fitness program, but a journey of self-improvement that reflects positively in all spheres of life.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - VIDEOGRAPHER AND PHOTOGRAPHER
Dylan Brown
Dylan’s interest in strength sports started from a young age after watching The World's Strongest Man on TV. He grew up playing football for the Dartmouth Destroyers, and also the Prince Andrew High School team. After Graduating, his interest in playing football shifted to Olympic Weightlifting, further developing a passion for training, and watching the sport, as well as others such as Strongman. When not in the gym, Dylan also has a passion for cars and enjoys cooking!
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
DEREK WEI
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS & WEIGHTLIFTING TRAINER AND GROUP CLASS COACH
Renat Farkhutdinov
From my own personal journeys and challenges, I've come to see fitness not just as a routine, but as a symbol of resilience, self-betterment, and the quest for a harmonious life.
FITNESS & STRENGTH TRAINER, SUPPLEMENT SPECIALIST AND GROUP CLASS COACH
Ethan Nadeau
Fitness ignites a fire in me; it's my avenue for personal growth and helping others achieve their best selves. Through my own journey, I've seen how strength and resilience can transform lives, not just physically, but in all aspects. Every day, I'm driven to share this passion, guiding others to discover their strength and joy in the challenges we overcome together. Fitness is more than my profession; it's my way of making a positive impact, one client at a time.
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS - PERSONAL TRAINER AND GROUP CLASS COACH
TOMMY RYNDA
PERSONAL TRAINER, GYMNASTICS AND GROUP CLASS COACH
LINDSEY GOLDING
STRENGTH TRAINER, LIFE COACHING AND GROUP CLASS COACH
MACKENZIE COOZE
PART TIME TEAM
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Jonson Allen
Jonson has been a longtime member of Blended since joining at the age of 15. Although hockey was the main reason for joining as a member it was at Blended where he developed his passion for health and fitness. Outside of the gym Jonson loves spending time reading and being on the water with a paddle board.
GROUP CLASS COACH
Celina Moon
Movement has been the one constant in her life for as long as she can remember. The love and passion that she has had for it has had a lot to do with teachers and coaches that have guided her over the years. They challenged her and pushed her to want to be better. Now that she’s on the other side of things, her main hope is to in still that love and passion of movement in our members and help them want to push to be better.
