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STAFF

Aquatics

Aquatics Manager

TIFFANY GOULD

Tiffany was born and raised Whitefish and graduated from Whitefish High School in 2003. She attended the University of Montana where she studied Fine Arts. In 2005 she found her way to Spokane, Washington to finish college and became a Red Cross Swimming Instructor. Tiffany then returned to Whitefish in 2007 and has worked her way from swim instructor, lifeguard, supervisor and is now growing into her position as the Aquatics Manager. Tiffany is very passionate about The Wave’s elementary school swim program, making sure every kid gets the opportunity to become comfortable in and around the water. Tiffany is the proud mother of Landon and Sylvi. She enjoys spending time with her husband Sean and children skiing, camping, boating and being outside.

Certifications:
Certified Pool Operator
Current Red Cross Certifications
Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR & AED Professional Rescuer
Water Safety Instructor
Lifeguard Instructor

Swim Instructor

LOU ALBERSHARDT

When did you starting working at The Wave?
October 2001

Why do you teach swim lessons?
Teaching swimming is teaching a -life skill-

Why are swimming lessons important for adults and children?
Especially this valley – there is so much water – we do not only teach swimming – we teach safety skills and rescue skills for both children and adults

What is your swimming background?
I have loved being in – on – and around water most of my life. I started swimming competitively at age 8 and continued competitive swimming through college. I coached swimming and diving at a small country club for 2 summers

What are your favorite activities and hobbies?
Swimming, Road biking with my husband, XC skiing, walking in the woods around my house and working (playing) in our garden…I also enjoy cooking – I love playing with new ideas, new foods, and recipes

Certifications:
Advanced First Aid and CPR
Water Safety Instructor

Swim Instructor

CARRIE JACOBS

Growing up as a club swimmer in Wyoming and swimming through high school, Carrie has always believed being part of any team teaches individuals valuable life lessons like hard work, dedication, perseverance, and cooperation. Those lessons are realized whether you start swimming at age 9 or 59, which is why she enjoys coaching adults and helping them realize their personal goals.
Coaching for the Coach on Deck program allows Carrie to share her knowledge and passion she has about swimming with others who are passionate about improving their stroke and getting a good workout in. Whether you’re simply swimming in practice, training for a triathlon, or competing, she’ll be there rooting you on.

Carrie holds certifications at the USMS Level 1 & 2, ASCA Level 1, and USA swimming. She earned a Masters in Health Promotion and is a certified Health and Wellness Coach.

When you don’t find Carrie at the pool, she is most likely chasing her toddler around, enjoying nature with her hubby, or training for a long distance event of some kind!

Certifications:
USMS Level 1&2
ASCA Level 1
USA Swimming

Swim Instructor

MARGUERITE KAMINSKI

When did you start working at The Wave?
March 2007

Why do you teach swim lessons or coach swim team?
I love the water, love kids and love making it fun for them.

Why are swimming lessons important for adults and children?
Basic life skill we all need. you never know when your boat will flip or you are cast into the water! safety first! “stay calm and carry on !!!!”

What is your swimming background?
Started at age 4 in a lake, older sister taught me. became an LG at 18, swam all my life family owned a resort on a lake in NH and we swam to the dock and played with guests all the time! We had row boats, sail boat, motor boat, and fished til we could catch no more! Father was a sea captain so swimming was very important to him and his crew.

What are your favorite activity or hobbies?
Absolutely love to be outdoors doing anything– cut lawn, shovel snow, snowboard, hike, climb, swim, paddle board, etc. Love to do a lot by myself, ie explore and learn new things.

Certifications:
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
Lifeguard
Snowboard Instructor
Soccer coach and Soccer referee
3 current law licenses- MT, CO, NM
Certified as Level II AIS Inspector.

Administrative Assistant/Swim Instructor

JENN TELLESCH

When did you start working at The Wave?
May 2007

Why do you teach swim lessons?
I teach because I love the water and people. I love keeping everyone learning and growing throughout their life.

Why are swimming lessons important for adults and children?
Important for life and safety. Great for health and vital for anyone near the water.

What is your swimming background?
Swimming since age 2 and teaching or guarding since 1988.

What are your favorite activities or hobbies?
Photography, lifelong learning, & my family

Certifications:
Red Cross Lifeguarding
Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor
Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer
First Aid/CPR/AED
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor

Swim Instructor

LAURIE WHITE

When did you start working at The Wave?
January 2015

Why do you teach swim lessons?
My personal love of swimming and the wish for others to be safe and happy in the water.

Why are swim lessons important to you?
Everyone should know how to swim or at the very least be able to be safe in and around the water.

What is the best part of teaching kids?
Seeing the look they get when they realize they can do it!!

Certifications:
Water Safety Instructor

Fitness Instructors

Group Fitness Supervisor, Group Fitness Instructor

Kara Coco

Coco is a dedicated and energetic fitness professional with a passion for wellness, movement, and community. With experience in the fitness industry and a strong background in hospitality, She specializes in creating inclusive and engaging wellness experiences that empower individuals to thrive. As an ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor who holds certifications in Oula, Les Mills, and Barre, She brings expertise in event planning, customer service, and team leadership, all centered around fostering a welcoming and uplifting environment.

A military brat from birth, Coco lived in Hawaii, Japan, and several other places before her family settled in the Flathead Valley in 1993. Growing up in Whitefish, she was drawn to movement and expression, participating in cheerleading and choir. After graduating high school in 2006 she participated in the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World, where she gained valuable experience in creating memorable guest experiences.

Returning to Montana, Coco completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and discovered her passion for Group Fitness through Oula Fitness. This format transformed her perspective on health, teaching her to celebrate her body and prioritize inner well-being. This journey led her to become a certified Group Fitness Instructor and later the Group Fitness Supervisor at The Wave in Whitefish.

Coco spent a year teaching English in Japan which strengthened her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This experience deepened her commitment to inclusivity in fitness, reinforcing her belief that wellness is for everyone, regardless of their starting point.

Coco always brings energy, enthusiasm, and a deep love for movement. Group Fitness is her platform to foster camaraderie and inspire others to embrace a holistic approach to health—one that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Her classes are designed to be high-energy, empowering, and filled with loud music, joy, and connection.

Outside of Group Fitness, Coco enjoys traveling and eating foreign cuisine. She also enjoys dancing, theme parties, champagne, spicy food, and spending time with friends and family.

Group Fitness Instructor

JOY BARTEL

Joy holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and, proudly, served in the United States Air Force for two years. She has been privileged to live in the Flathead Valley since 2003 and privileged to work for the Wave since 2019! She is passionate about Group Fitness because she believes exercise is so important to a healthy lifestyle for ALL ages and abilities. She strives to create an atmosphere of inspiration, commitment, and support in all her classes, as the best means to achieve anyone’s fitness goals. Most importantly, she wants all her classes to be fun and feel like a party that includes everyone in the room! Look for her on the dance floor, teaching Zumba, Zumba Gold, and Aqua Zumba!

Certifications:
AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Zumba Licensed Dance Instructor
Zumba Gold Licensed Instructor
Aqua Zumba Licensed Instructor
AEA Basic Water Aerobics Training
AEA Ballology, Buoys, And Noodles Training
CPR/AED
SAIL, Senior Movement Trained

Education:
Bachelor of Arts in English

Group Fitness Instructor

Leah Bois

Hello, my name is Leah, and I am a certified Zumba and SilverSneakers Fitness Instructor. I am deeply passionate about music and the mind-body connection it fosters, and I am committed to supporting my community through the power of fitness.
Group Fitness Instructor

Gabrielle Cahoon

Gabrielle Cahoon is a highly accomplished health and fitness professional with over two decades of experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health, Leisure, and
Exercise Science from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, and has been a driving force in fitness education since 2004.
As a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer, Gabrielle specializes in Pilates Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, Total Barre®, Fascial Movement, and CORE™ Athletic Conditioning and Performance Training™. She is also a Foundation Training Level 2 Instructor, a Spinning Instructor, and a certified Institute for Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Gabrielle’s expertise spans multiple modalities, enabling her to create personalized programs that promote strength, balance, and overall health.

From 2013 to 2023, Gabrielle was the owner and main instructor of Studio 48 Pilates and Fitness, where she cultivated a thriving community dedicated to improving lifestyle through
movement as well as STOTT PILATES instructor education and training.

Gabrielle’s passion for movement extends beyond the studio. She has been playing the violin since the age of three and thrives on outdoor adventures like surfing, snowboarding, trail
running, hiking, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and friends. Originally from North Carolina, Gabrielle has called Whitefish, Montana home since 2008, where she draws
inspiration from the natural beauty of her surroundings to support her clients on their health journeys.

With her diverse skill set and dedication to holistic wellness, Gabrielle empowers others to build strong foundations for a healthier, more vibrant life.

Group Fitness Instructor

Christine Carbo

As a STOTT PILATES® and Physicalmind Institute certified instructor, Christine’s classes focus on strengthening the core, lengthening and developing muscles, adding flexibility to the body and improving posture. She is skilled at teaching all body types and helps students achieve movement that emanates from a stable core.

Christine has lived in Montana for over 20 years and holds a Masters in English from the University of Montana. After teaching English courses at FVCC for 10+ years, she became hooked on Pilates as a challenging, mind-body focused form of exercise that she soon recognized as having major impacts upon people‘s lives.

Christine is also a certified squash instructor, an avid skier, holds an American Red Cross CPR certificate and frequently attends workshops in Pilates, injuries and special populations, anatomy and various sports-specific training. Christine owns a Stott-equipped pilates studio in Kalispell but also enjoys teaching mat classes at various facilities around the valley. She especially loves being a member of the Wave’s staff and teaching in the energetic atmosphere of the Wave.

Group Fitness Instructor

CLAUDETTE BYRD-RINCK

CLAUDETTE BYRD-RINCK is an Interpretive and Educational Ranger for Glacier National Park.

Growing up in the shadow of Glacier, Claudette developed a deep love of nature as a child and continues to be an avid outdoor enthusiast. She leads an active lifestyle hiking, backpacking, skiing, and kayaking.

Claudette is passionate about teaching yoga. She is well versed at teaching different levels and body types. Her classes combine yoga poses (asanas), breathing (pranayama), deep stretching, balance, and strength, while working with individual challenges. She teaches her students to become in-tune with their body.

Her Gentle Yoga Classes consist of carefully orchestrated movements, well-measured stretches, and range of motion exercises.

Claudette teaches yoga at Mandala Montana, Imagine Health and Glacier National Park.

Certifications:
Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher
Certified in Vinyas Flow with a focus in Iyengar
Certified in SilverSneakers - Yoga Stretch
Special Training in Yoga Philosophy

Education:
B.A. American Studies & Music - University of Notre Dame

Group Fitness Instructor

Nathalie Coggins

Nathalie has a passion for health and fitness. After graduating from the University of Montana, she went back to school to study Holistic Nutrition. She loves to be active and loves to explore body movement. She has a passion for dance and loves the community that OULA brings to the Wave.

Certifications:
OULA
Yoga 325 Hr
TABATA GX
CPR/AED

Group Fitness Instructor

Scott Corbin

Scott figure skated competitively for 15 years in pairs and singles. The highest he placed was 12th at the National Figure Skating Championships at the Staples Center, LA in 2002. He also placed 2nd in Vancouver British Columbia against 14 other elite Pairs Teams from all over the World that same year in the Pairs event. After retiring from Figure Skating in 2005, Scott transitioned into Mountain biking and Trail running. He has done the Leadville Colorado Race Series three years back to back which consisted of a trail marathon, 50-mile bike race, 50-mile trail race, 100-mile bike race, 100-mile trail run all over 10,000 ft above sea level. Scott loves coaching everyone from the weight loss client, to the post physical therapy client, to the athlete. His philosophy in life is work hard, play hard.

Certifications:
NASM - Certified Personal Trainer
AFAA Group Fitness Instructor
TABATA GX certified

Education:
Wayne State University

Group Fitness Instructor

MARY CORRAO

Mary was born and raised in New York City. After living and traveling throughout Europe, the middle east, south east Asia, Japan and the Pacific Islands, she hung up her backpack and wound up in Montana.

Being in the fitness business for 47 years, she has seen the field go through many changes. Mary has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and holds numerous certifications including:American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals Post Rehab Specialist, and NESTA Certified Life Strategies Coach.

Always staying on the cutting edge of the fitness industry, she specializes in core and functional training and post rehab workouts. However, she trains people at all levels of fitness from the competitive athlete to the beginning exerciser. In the words of one of her clients “Mary makes my workout sessions something to look forward to…challenging, entertaining, humerous and uplifting…pushing me to the point of amazement at what I can do!”

Mary is available Monday through Friday by appointment and is looking forward to helping you achieve your goals.

Certifications:
ACE - Certified Personal Trainer
ACE - Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Cooper Institute - Certified Physical Fitness Specialist
NESTA - Certified Life Strategies Coach
American Academy of Health & Fitness Professionals - Certified Post Rehab Specialist
KINESIS - Certified Functional Exercise Trainer
GMP Fitness - Longevity & Wellness Specialist

Education:
B.S. Health Education

Group Fitness Instructor

Corinne Creighton

Keeping fit, having fun and enjoying the great outdoors with friends and family, is where my heart and soul are the happiest! Sharing my passion with others and helping them lead healthy, fun & active lives, I feel, is truly my lifes' purpose.

My extensive background in the fitness profession has given me the skills to teach creative, safe, fun and effective classes to groups and to individuals training programs. I have an education in Biomechanics and Anatomy, which allows me to focus on proper alignment and movement. I bring my Personal Training and Yoga knowledge into all of my classes, which emphasizes cueing movements, linking breath to movement, body alignment/awareness and mindfulness. I feel that educating people goes a long way, as does keeping things fun yet challenging, "stepping outside the box of your comfort zone", so to speak. I love what I do and am very grateful that I get to work my passion and meet so many awesome people along the way!

Certifications & Training
Physical Education College Diploma
Certified Personal Trainer
Registered Yoga Teacher 200 ERYT, YACEP
Registered Yin & Restorative Yoga Teacher
Certified Cycling & Fitness Instructor
Certified Barre Above Instructor
TRX Training Certified

Group Fitness Instructor

Julie Denney

Julianne Denney is a certified Zumba instructor and has been a resident of the valley for 14 years. She is a homeschooling mother of 5 and began attending Zumba to help maintain her health in a way she could enjoy, and to make a more permanent exercise option in her life. After 9 months of dancing, she got certified. She hasn't looked back since and continues to love dancing her cares away and keeping her heart healthy. She began teaching in May 2022.

Certifications
Zumba
SilverSneakers Splash
SilverSneakers Circuit
SilverSneakers Stability
SilverSneakers Foundations
SilverSneakers Classic
Barre

Group Fitness Instructor

JENNIE DUNLAP

As a personal trainer, Jennie is passionate about relationship between psychology and physiology as a personal trainer. She not only wants to teach people how to exercise but also why they should exercise. In order to build a meaningful experience in the weight room, she teaches her clients about understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivators during exercise.

To keep exercise exciting and applicable for real world activities, Jennie expands beyond typical exercise modalities. She strives to make all of her clients feel competent, capable, and confident in the gym. Her goal is to improve the wellbeing of others through functional movement and education.
Jennie is an outdoor enthusiast and loves to bag peaks in Glacier National Park. She understands the value of exercise translating to outdoor activities and sports. She has a background in coaching CrossFit as well as competing in CrossFit. This sport inspired her to teach others to exercise and achieve the best versions of themselves.

Interests:
Hiking
Skiing
Endurocross/dirt biking
Weight training
Drawing

Certifications:
B.S. Psychology-Montana State University

Group Fitness Instructor

WENDY EWING

Wendy hails from the Pacific NorthWest where she spent her first 18 years predominantly outdoors in North Bend, WA. Backpacking, mountaineering, skiing, and racing mountain bikes solidified her love and passion for being outside.Wendy then traveled South to Redding, CA where she studied Psychology and Outdoor Leadership at Simpson University. Her last 10 years have been spent there, growing a family and working at Redding’s largest athletic facility, Sun Oaks. Here, Wendy developed her passion for helping people reach their fitness goals and develop their own sustainable healthy living habits. Wendy has held several titles at Sun Oaks, including Systems and Development Manager, Camp Director, and NSCA Certified Personal Trainer.

In 2016, Wendy married her passion for people and the outdoors and founded the backpacking guiding company, Wild Beginnings Adventure Co. She operated WBAC in the Trinity Alps and Lassen National Park for 3 years until their daughter was born in 2019.

In 2023, Wendy and her family picked up their life and moved North to Kalispell, where she immediately pursued working for The Wave. She continues to live out her passions here, trail running, backpacking, skiing and personal training. Since having children of her own, Wendy has grown particularly passionate about helping women navigate fitness during pregnancy and their Postpartum health and recovery. She is the Founder of Momentum and is a certified Specialist in Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise.

Certifications:
Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist

Group Fitness Instructor

ERIKA FITZGERALD

I’m Erika and I am super excited to be teaching cycling at The Wave. Cycling, both indoor and outdoor, have been a passion of mine for over 20 years. When I’m not cycling or thinking about cycling, I can be found running, skiing, hiking, xc skiing and pretty much anything else outside.
Group Fitness Instructor

ANGIE GARRETT

I’m Angie and I teach Oula and Oula One. I love the mind/body connection that Oula offers. I have lived in Whitefish for 20 years and enjoy all the outdoor experiences our valley has.

Certifications:
Oula One
Oula

Group Fitness Instructor

LYNN GROSSMAN

Born and raised in Montana, Lynn spent 21 years teaching English and Reading to middle school students in Alaska before retiring in 1997. Always involved in bike racing, long-distance cycling, hiking and skiing, it seemed a natural fit that she became a personal trainer and group fitness instructor that fall. Three years later, she and her family moved to Whitefish and she began working at the Summit in Kalispell, teaching group cycling and being a clinical personal trainer specializing in rehabilitation from work-related injuries.

She was hired in February 2005 when the Wave first opened, as a personal trainer and cycling instructor. Since then she has added Ball Pump, Aqua Conditioning, Women’s Boot Camp and Golf Conditioning to her repertoire.
Lynn loves working with people of all ages and abilities, especially “women of age” of which she is a proud member. Lynn is a firm believer that you are never too old or out of shape to become fit.

Certifications:
ACE Personal Trainer
Boga Fit Trainer
Kaiser Spin Certification
Water Aerobics
Insanity Certification

Group Fitness Instructor

Kara Hanson

Kara was drawn to yoga because of the new connection she was making with herself and a deeper understanding of the power of breath and movement. It helped her create a new community, shift her perspective on difficult situations, overcome injuries and develop an overall healthier lifestyle.

She completed her YTT in 2022 with an intention to deepen her own personal practice, but a love for teaching quickly blossomed and has been guiding others ever since! She loves that yoga reminds us how to move through life’s changes and challenges with grace, and to ask the bigger questions. She aims to make classes accessible and welcoming for all and hopes that students are able to receive whatever they need during her classes —whether it’s rest, relaxation, connection, laughter, or a safe space—anything they may need in that particular moment.

You can usually find Kara outside with her dog paddle boarding, hiking or cross country skiing. She also loves to snowboard, backpack and travel.

Certifications:
Certified Qigong Instructor
Certified Tai Chi Instructor

Group Fitness Instructor

EMILY HERBST

Hi! I am Emily and I am a licensed acupuncturist and during my time in acupuncture school I was introduced to Tai Chi and Qigong. Since graduation, I have explored other forms and approaches of these mind-body-breath classes. I decided to pursue my Qigong teacher certifications with Roger Jahnke and since then, I have received a deeper understanding of my acupuncture practice and how Qigong and Tai Chi work for me. I am a huge nerd when it comes to talking and teaching the benefits of these classes. I am a firm believer in needing both modalities of exercise and in Western culture, we are missing out on the exercises that bring together mind-body-breath. These classes are not weight bearing and can be done sitting or standing.

Certifications:
Certified Qigong Instructor
Certified Tai Chi Instructor

Group Fitness Instructor

CHRISTIANE HINTERMAN

Christiane has been an avid yoga practitioner for many years and gained her teaching certification in 2011 with Ananda Seva Mission. She has been a dedicated member of The Wave team since 2013. If joining her vinyasa class, you can expect a mindful practice that incorporates flowing sequences that warm the body progressively towards deeper poses. You will have the opportunity to set positive intentions while cultivating a balance between the breath, body, mind and spirit. As an avid outdoor educator and certified nature therapy guide, Christiane often ties in cycles of nature, the seasons, and the phases of the moon to foster a greater awareness of our relationship with the natural world. All levels are welcome as she offers variations while always reminding students to seek proper alignment and listen to their own body and comfort level. With trainings in yin yoga and yoga nidra, Christiane also enjoys creating slower paced classes that offer deep relaxation, release of tension, and stress relief. Christiane’s big heart shines through her teaching and creates a sanctuary to step away from distractions and drop into a state of presence and awareness.

Certifications:
200 Hour Yoga Alliance Certified with Ananda Seva Mission
25 Hour Yoga Nidra Certification with Blooming Lotus Yoga
8 Hour Yin Yoga training with Evoke Yoga
Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with ANFT
Certified Interpretive Guide and Trainer with NAI

Education:
B.S. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources - Michigan State University
M.S. in Environmental Education - Lesley University and the Expedition Education Institute

Swim Instructor

CARRIE JACOBS

Growing up as a club swimmer in Wyoming and swimming through high school, Carrie has always believed being part of any team teaches individuals valuable life lessons like hard work, dedication, perseverance, and cooperation. Those lessons are realized whether you start swimming at age 9 or 59, which is why she enjoys coaching adults and helping them realize their personal goals.
Coaching for the Coach on Deck program allows Carrie to share her knowledge and passion she has about swimming with others who are passionate about improving their stroke and getting a good workout in. Whether you’re simply swimming in practice, training for a triathlon, or competing, she’ll be there rooting you on.

Carrie holds certifications at the USMS Level 1 & 2, ASCA Level 1, and USA swimming. She earned a Masters in Health Promotion and is a certified Health and Wellness Coach.

When you don’t find Carrie at the pool, she is most likely chasing her toddler around, enjoying nature with her hubby, or training for a long distance event of some kind!

Certifications:
USMS Level 1&2
ASCA Level 1
USA Swimming

Group Fitness Instructor

Amanda Jenkins

Amanda has been practicing yoga since 2001, when she discovered its energy-balancing benefits in the aftermath of 9-11. A former U.S. Master’s swimmer, she completed her initial Vinyasa 200 hour in 2019 and has been certified in various yoga formats, completing training with and being mentored by well-known instructors from around the country. She completed her 300 hour YTT in 2022, with a focus on Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra & Adaptive Yoga.

In Amanda’s class, expect a practice focused on the powerful connection between breath and movement. You’ll experience opportunities to hone alignment & technique, plus invitations to access creative new flows and postures. Outcomes include feeling more open in the body, improved mobility, more fluid movement, enhanced proprioception, and better self-regulation. You’ll leave class with tools that allow you to respond, rather than react, to life off the mat. Amanda offers variations to suit all levels while always reminding students to listen to the most important teacher: their own inner voice.

Group Fitness Instructor

SCARLET KAPLAN

I grew up in Missoula MT and started my athletic career around age 7, swimming for MAC (Missoula Aquatic Club). I went to high school at Hellgate High where I ran cross country and track in addition to swimming on the club and high school teams. After graduating high school in 2014 I attended the University of Colorado Boulder where I was on the female NCAA collegiate triathlon team. While in college I studied biology (specifically body mechanics and physiology) and started working as a coach and fitness instructor. In addition to my collegiate career I was accepted onto team USAT (USA triathlon) and had the opportunity to train at the Olympic Training Center. I wanted to do it all, and I truly thought I was invincible, until in January 2017 a stress fracture in my femur developed into a complete fracture and my world fell apart. I was “let go” from team USA because of my injury, and the next 6 months were a trying time. Looking back, I am grateful for this experience because it allowed me to learn so much about the importance of recovery and how the body reacts to emotional and physical stress as well as fatigue and training. I did become healthy again but choose to focus my energy on my studies and my collegiate triathlon career and did not return to team USA. Unfortunately, I learned our bodies are not machines and there is a limit to training and stress that we must abide by. In 2019 I decided it was time to move back to Montana. I love the outdoors and so I decided to move to Whitefish where I am now the head coach of the Wave Ryders swim team and a Personal Trainer. We only get one life to live, so why wait, make it great!

Certifications:
Certified Personal Trainer
USA Swimming Certified Swim Coach
Stages Certified Cycling Instructor
Specialized Triathlon Training

Education:
B.S in Integrated Physiology

Group Fitness Instructor

MIRIAM LEWIS

Originally from Southern Alberta, Miriam has called Whitefish home since 1991, where she raised her family and currently works as an HR Director for a local tech company. After 18 years as a cycling instructor at The Wave, Miriam made the switch to SilverSneakers, where she's found a new community to inspire. An avid outdoors enthusiast, she understands the importance of staying active for a long and healthy life, and she brings that belief to every class. Miriam loves connecting with her students and firmly believes that movement is the key to maintaining mobility and independence.
Certifications:
LeMond Cycling Certified
Keiser Cycling Certified

Education:
B.S. Hotel & Restaurant Management - Cal Poly Pomona

Group Fitness Instructor

Michelle Macalister

Michelle grew up in Montana and has been a part of the Wave Team since 2018. She is an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and is known for her high energy classes, encouraging demeanor, and willingness to help out around the Wave. She also holds certifications in Les Mills Core and Bodypump and has a few other certifications in the works! Michelle actively serves in her church with the youngsters, and in the community as is a Volunteer Ski Instructor with Dream Adaptive MT, and serves at the Warming Center homeless shelter. She is a lover of Jesus, people, and the outdoors. In her “play” time, you can find her hiking, hunting, picking huckleberries, and loving on her nieces and nephews. Michelle is your cheerleader, your workout buddy, and in your corner 100% on the quest to leveling up in life, and in fitness!
Group Fitness Instructor

Ashley McCormick

Ashley is a born and raised Montanan who has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She obtained her 200Hr Yoga Teacher Certification in 2016 in Whitefish, MT and has been teaching a variety of classes ever since, including Gentle Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Senior Yoga, Accessible Yoga, Silks Yoga, Power Yoga, and Prenatal Yoga. Ashley believes that yoga should be accessible to all bodies and strives to make each student feel comfortable in her classes, despite the amount of experience they have. Ashley is also a new mother, a Speech-Language Pathologist, a Childbirth Educator and a certified Birth Doula. When she is not on her mat, you can find her on a river somewhere, or at a music festival with her husband, family, and friends.
Group Fitness Instructor

Liz McPherson

Liz recently started a new chapter in her life when her husband retired and they moved to the beautiful Flathead Valley to be closer to family. Liz has a son here in Whitefish with 4 children as well as a daughter in Arizona with 3 sons. She has always been active, but in her later years has seen the importance of continuing that lifestyle to avoid some of the downside of aging. Having joy in her life is important to her so she chooses activities that enrich her life with joy-like being grateful, quilting, church, volunteering and now a new adventure in teaching water aerobics!
Group Fitness Instructor

KELLY MEDELMAN

Kelly’s classes focus on gently lengthening and developing the body through a series of yoga postures. As a certified Pilates instructor, she weaves core strengthening and breathing exercises into class. She’s skilled at teaching all body types and encourages movement at all ability levels. Expect to learn basic yoga postures, how to radiate movement from the center, while being guided to progress in your own unique way.

Certifications:
Certified Yoga Instructor
Certified Mat Pilates Instructor
Yoga Alliance 200 Hours

Group Fitness Instructor

Shawna Moore

Shawna’s class provides glimpses into the mystery of the practice of yoga. The use of metaphor and anatomical references lead the student into a practice that is guided from within. This intuitive approach is mixed with Shawna’s study of classic yoga with her teacher Tias Little and her continuing study of ancient and modern written references to the practice. Expect a short period of sitting and breathing followed by standing and seated postures, all taught with proper alignment and creative use of props to assist progress.
Group Fitness Instructor

SHERRI NISSEN

Sherri has spent the past 3+ decades living and recreating in Whitefish. She uses yoga, along with other classes at the Wave, to keep her body fit, flexible and healthy so she can ski, hike and enjoy Montana with her husband, grown sons and dog. Sherri's yoga classes follow a vinyasa flow. She emphasizes poses that improve flexibility and strength for other athletic pursuits and that will keep bodies healthy and happy for the long run.
Group Fitness Instructor

Kim Noonan

My name is Kimberly Noonan and I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I have been a certified Les Mills instructor since 2010 and teach three formats: pump, CORE, and combat. When I'm not teaching fitness classes, I own a CPA tax practice and play golf, as I was a collegiate golfer at LSU. My family and I have been in Whitefish since 2022 and love everything about it. I was hired by the Wave in 2023 and I have enjoyed every moment of getting to know the members and the staff. I am looking forward to meeting even more of the membership and continuing to motivate members to love working out.
Group Fitness Instructor

Sarah Peterson

With a love for triathlons, I wanted to show others what cycling has to offer. I joined the wave cycling instructor team 8 years ago. I try to bring high levels of personal energy coordinated with high energy music to show how this class makes someone feel good inside and out. I love the outdoors between hiking, running, snowboarding and all the other adventures that outdoors can offer!
Group Fitness Instructor

DR. ERIKA PUTNAM, DC

DC, E-RYT 200, RYT500, YACEP

As a practicing chiropractic physician at The Bend in Whitefish Dr. Putnam brings a unique perspective to yoga. She guides her students with
prevention at the heart of her teaching. She has been in private practice for more than 25 years and has over 10 years of group and
private yoga teaching experience.

Dr. Putnam has found yoga to be a powerful movement practice for joint stability, mobility, balance and longevity. Most of her classes include a combination of centering meditation, breathing, strength and flexibility building with an emphasis on alignment for individuals rather than achieving particular poses.

Montana offers her a place to enjoy health and wellness opportunities like hiking with her dogs, snowshoeing and hunting. She is an avid writer and is a writing coach. She also leads wilderness wellness workshops and retreats.

Certifications:
Certified - RYT 500 Yoga Instructor

Group Fitness Instructor

Elizabeth Read

Liz has taught group fitness since 2019 and is certified in les mills body pump, body combat, and les mills core. Liz graduated from the National Personal Training Institute of Philadelphia in 2018. Liz lives in Kalispell with her husband and enjoys downhill, uphill, and XC skiing in the winter and hiking and paddleboarding in the summer. She enjoys teaching functional workouts that allow for longevity to continue doing the activities you love.
Group Fitness Instructor

Price Richardson

Price had an early start with swimming. He joined a summer league team in Shelby MT at age 5 and continued with that league through high school. He was fortunate to get a swimming scholarship to continue swimming for his college in Kentucky, qualifying for Nationals all four years. While in college, he continued teaching swim lessons and in the summers came home to Montana to coach the Columbia Falls summer league team and teach swim lessons at the Wave. After a decade of long distance adventures, he is excited to be back in the valley and coaching the Glacier Aquatic Club. He has also coached the Columbia Falls and Whitefish High School Swim Teams and several triathlon clinics for beginners.
Group Fitness Instructor

ERICA RUTA

Erica grew up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and moved to Whitefish in 2001. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Erica found that consistent weight training and yoga, helped balance out her body. Becoming a fitness instructor is the best decision she ever made and continues to learn and grow everyday. She is certified in Yoga, BODYPUMP, BODYFLOW, CORE and Barre.
Group Fitness Instructor

Hilary Shaw

Hilary loves to dance! Oula is the first form of exercise that has brought her indisputable joy. As an Oula instructor, Hilary enjoys counting out the moves in a way that feels accessible for everyone in class. Oula invites us to dance and move with our hearts wide open and our minds hard at work, which is how Hilary tries to approach all of it. When not dancing Oula, you will find her chasing her 2 daughters around and serving the valley’s nonprofit community.
Group Fitness Instructor

Brit Shepherd

I’m a passionate group fitness instructor with a love for building strong, supportive communities through movement. Originally from Ogden, Utah, I’ve also lived in Las Vegas and Nashville, where I was fortunate to find fitness-minded communities that fueled my journey. My teaching career began with Step Aerobics in Vegas, but my true passion ignited when I discovered Les Mills fitness. Since 2014, I’ve been a certified Body Attack instructor, adding Les Mills Core in 2018, along with certifications in Body Balance and most recently Barre Above. I’ve proudly been part of The Wave group fitness team since 2017. Helping others push past their limits and reach their goals is what drives me. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, I’d love to have you in class—let’s move, sweat, and grow together!
Group Fitness Instructor

DAVID SPANGLER

Hi! I’m Dave Spangler. The old, singing, harmonica playing yoga instructor. I’ve been teaching yoga for 8 years here at the Wave. My approach is gentle, so it’s good for all. If you’ve never done yoga but want to give it a try, join us. I have a masters in Fine Arts and taught for many years in the Art Field. Hope to see you, my regular and new students.
Group Fitness Instructor

Holly Stevenson

Holly holds her degree in Kinesiology from Western State College of Colorado. She worked in health and wellness for over a decade; initially in cardiac rehab, then in fitness settings as a personal trainer, boot camp coach, and group fitness instructor. Holly worked at The Wave from 2006-2013 personal training, teaching a variety of classes, and leading the boot camp and ski conditioning programs. She is now a general contractor and real estate investor who has returned to teach group fitness classes at The Wave because she has missed The Wave community and the many health-minded friends found here. In her free time you will find Holly riding her bike, hiking with her dogs, digging in the garden, or reading a book.
Group Fitness Instructor

Sophie Such

Sophie grew up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, where she first fell in love with movement and the outdoors. After years of gymnastics, she discovered yoga in high school, drawn to its balance of strength and stillness. In May 2022, she earned her BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management from North Dakota State University and completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training through Transitions School of Yoga. She is also certified to teach stand-up paddle board yoga, blending movement with nature.

Rooted in the belief that yoga quiets the mind and builds both strength and ease, her classes encourage presence and creative exploration. Teaching at The Wave and The Yoga Hive, she welcomes students of all levels.

Off the mat, Sophie teaches ski lessons on Big Mountain and enjoys exploring Montana’s wild waters and trails. She invites you to step onto your mat and embrace the present moment—one breath at a time.

Group Fitness Instructor

YADIRA TORRES

My name is Yadira and I love teaching Zumba. I grew up in Spain and Puerto Rico where my love for music and dancing began. I was a fitness instructor in the 90’s and in 2013 I became a licensed Zumba instructor. My clients are my inspiration to come and dance. They are my family. We have been through ups and downs but we always end up dancing!
Group Fitness Instructor

CRISTEN VAUGHAN

Cristen is a lifelong learner, aspiring yogi, and spiritual seeker. She is always working to find deeper acceptance of herself and others. She also has a playful ability to find joy in all things. Cristen loves the energy of group fitness classes and discovered her passion for barre while rebuilding her strength after having her first baby. For Cristen, group fitness is invigorating, life-giving and a way to tap into her strength both physically and emotionally. Her goal is to lead uplifting classes that help people feel empowered and more connected to themselves and others.

Education:
B.A. in International Development

Certifications:
Barre Above
CPR
Yoga 200hr TT

Group Fitness Instructor

Ingrid Wick

Ingrid began yoga in 1999 to counter stress, treat injuries, and create balance in her life. She knows that the power of a well-rounded yoga practice heals the body and shifts the mind, cultivating peace and gratitude that embraces and influences all aspects of life. Ingrid has been teaching yoga locally since 2011. Her Hatha style classes are appropriate for all body types and levels of experience because of her ability to teach to different situations within the same class. Each class will focus on breath, balance, alignment, strength and stretch.

Health Coaches and Personal Trainers

Fitness Manager, Certified Personal Trainer

Geoff Gibb

Geoff received his B.S. degree in Health Club Management from Pacific Union College where he championed a collegiate mountain biking team. He went on to get his M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Montana State University in 1998. Geoff is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Geoff enjoys outdoor recreation such as mountain biking, hiking, hunting, backpacking, four-wheeling, and snow shoeing. Geoff believes that fitness should be fun and functional and enjoys training people who want to improve their quality of life through recreational or competitive aspirations.

Certifications:
National Strength & Conditioning Association - Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
USA Cycling - Registered Sport Coach
Kinesis Certified Functional Exercise Trainer
Functional Movement Systems Level 1

Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor

SCOTT CORBIN

Scott figure skated competitively for 15 years in pairs and singles. The highest he placed was 12th at the National Figure Skating Championships at the Staples Center, LA in 2002. He also placed 2nd in Vancouver British Columbia against 14 other elite Pairs Teams from all over the World that same year in the Pairs event. After retiring from Figure Skating in 2005, Scott transitioned into Mountain biking and Trail running. He has done the Leadville Colorado Race Series three years back to back which consisted of a trail marathon, 50-mile bike race, 50-mile trail race, 100-mile bike race, 100-mile trail run all over 10,000 ft above sea level. Scott loves coaching everyone from the weight loss client, to the post physical therapy client, to the athlete. His philosophy in life is work hard, play hard.

Certifications:
NASM - Certified Personal Trainer
AFAA Group Fitness Instructor
TABATA GX certified

Education:
Wayne State University

Certified Personal Trainer

MARY CORRAO

Mary was born and raised in New York City. After living and traveling throughout Europe, the middle east, south east Asia, Japan and the Pacific Islands, she hung up her backpack and wound up in Montana.

Being in the fitness business for 47 years, she has seen the field go through many changes. Mary has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and holds numerous certifications including:American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals Post Rehab Specialist, and NESTA Certified Life Strategies Coach.

Always staying on the cutting edge of the fitness industry, she specializes in core and functional training and post rehab workouts. However, she trains people at all levels of fitness from the competitive athlete to the beginning exerciser. In the words of one of her clients “Mary makes my workout sessions something to look forward to…challenging, entertaining, humerous and uplifting…pushing me to the point of amazement at what I can do!”

Mary is available Monday through Friday by appointment and is looking forward to helping you achieve your goals.

Certifications:
ACE - Certified Personal Trainer
ACE - Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Cooper Institute - Certified Physical Fitness Specialist
NESTA - Certified Life Strategies Coach
American Academy of Health & Fitness Professionals - Certified Post Rehab Specialist
KINESIS - Certified Functional Exercise Trainer
GMP Fitness - Longevity & Wellness Specialist

Education:
B.S. Health Education

Certified Personal Trainer

JENNIE DUNLAP

As a personal trainer, Jennie is passionate about relationship between psychology and physiology as a personal trainer. She not only wants to teach people how to exercise but also why they should exercise. In order to build a meaningful experience in the weight room, she teaches her clients about understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivators during exercise.

To keep exercise exciting and applicable for real world activities, Jennie expands beyond typical exercise modalities. She strives to make all of her clients feel competent, capable, and confident in the gym. Her goal is to improve the wellbeing of others through functional movement and education.
Jennie is an outdoor enthusiast and loves to bag peaks in Glacier National Park. She understands the value of exercise translating to outdoor activities and sports. She has a background in coaching CrossFit as well as competing in CrossFit. This sport inspired her to teach others to exercise and achieve the best versions of themselves.

Interests:
Hiking
Skiing
Endurocross/dirt biking
Weight training
Drawing

Certifications:
B.S. Psychology-Montana State University

Certified Personal Trainer

WENDY EWING

Wendy hails from the Pacific NorthWest where she spent her first 18 years predominantly outdoors in North Bend, WA. Backpacking, mountaineering, skiing, and racing mountain bikes solidified her love and passion for being outside.Wendy then traveled South to Redding, CA where she studied Psychology and Outdoor Leadership at Simpson University. Her last 10 years have been spent there, growing a family and working at Redding’s largest athletic facility, Sun Oaks. Here, Wendy developed her passion for helping people reach their fitness goals and develop their own sustainable healthy living habits. Wendy has held several titles at Sun Oaks, including Systems and Development Manager, Camp Director, and NSCA Certified Personal Trainer.

In 2016, Wendy married her passion for people and the outdoors and founded the backpacking guiding company, Wild Beginnings Adventure Co. She operated WBAC in the Trinity Alps and Lassen National Park for 3 years until their daughter was born in 2019.

In 2023, Wendy and her family picked up their life and moved North to Kalispell, where she immediately pursued working for The Wave. She continues to live out her passions here, trail running, backpacking, skiing and personal training. Since having children of her own, Wendy has grown particularly passionate about helping women navigate fitness during pregnancy and their Postpartum health and recovery. She is the Founder of Momentum and is a certified Specialist in Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise.

Certifications:
Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist

Certified Personal Trainer

RACHEL GIBB

Rachel has 25 years of experience as a personal trainer and specializes in working with older adults who wish to improve balance, strength, mobility and bone density as well as performance in recreational activities such as golf and hiking. Rachel has three years of experience with advanced rehab and pool therapy at a physical therapy clinic and designs safe and effective exercise programs for people with previous injuries post-rehab to reduce pain and help them to return to the game of life. She also believes in helping people lose weight through permanent lifestyle and behavior change using a technique called motivational interviewing.

Education:
M.S. Kinesiology and Health - University of Wyoming
B.S. Exercise and Wellness - Montana State University

Certifications:
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Titleist Performance Institute Fitness 2 Certified
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Precision Nutrition Level 2

Certified Personal Trainer

SCARLET KAPLAN

I grew up in Missoula MT and started my athletic career around age 7, swimming for MAC (Missoula Aquatic Club). I went to high school at Hellgate High where I ran cross country and track in addition to swimming on the club and high school teams. After graduating high school in 2014 I attended the University of Colorado Boulder where I was on the female NCAA collegiate triathlon team. While in college I studied biology (specifically body mechanics and physiology) and started working as a coach and fitness instructor. In addition to my collegiate career I was accepted onto team USAT (USA triathlon) and had the opportunity to train at the Olympic Training Center. I wanted to do it all, and I truly thought I was invincible, until in January 2017 a stress fracture in my femur developed into a complete fracture and my world fell apart. I was “let go” from team USA because of my injury, and the next 6 months were a trying time. Looking back, I am grateful for this experience because it allowed me to learn so much about the importance of recovery and how the body reacts to emotional and physical stress as well as fatigue and training. I did become healthy again but choose to focus my energy on my studies and my collegiate triathlon career and did not return to team USA. Unfortunately, I learned our bodies are not machines and there is a limit to training and stress that we must abide by. In 2019 I decided it was time to move back to Montana. I love the outdoors and so I decided to move to Whitefish where I am now the head coach of the Wave Ryders swim team and a Personal Trainer. We only get one life to live, so why wait, make it great!

Certifications:
Certified Personal Trainer
USA Swimming Certified Swim Coach
Stages Certified Cycling Instructor
Specialized Triathlon Training

Education:
B.S in Integrated Physiology

Certified Personal Trainer / Health Coach

John Sullivan

For his whole life John Sullivan has lived and advocated for a healthy and active lifestyle. He has always believed that he has had a calling for some form of education in a health-related field, connected to his passion for physical fitness. He believes it’s important that everyone understand and appreciate the value and rewards gained by a healthy and active lifestyle, and that the rewards have monumental physical and mental outcomes.

John is a very energetic person. Throughout his whole life he has been involved in numerous physical activities, such as intramural, high school, collegiate sports, and many forms outdoor activities. At age four he began playing soccer and wrestling, continuing on throughout high school, where he also began intensive weight training/conditioning, and was a four-year starter in football. Most recently he was a linebacker for the University of Montana Western football team. John is an avid outdoorsman, always enjoying the great outdoors, whether he is hunting, backpacking into the wilderness to camp for days, or casting his fly rod to catch the ever-elusive trout. John is a person who tends to deviate from the norm. He doesn’t like to teach exercises straight out of the book as black or white. He likes finding alternative fun ways to exercise, and peak people’s enthusiasm. He likes using unconventional ways to perform tasks, in order to bring out creativity and to emphasize certain points for others as well as, for himself. He is a fun individual, who is never too old to play games, or put himself above others based on any standards. John is an optimistic person with the attitude that all goals are possible with hard work and determination. His personal goal and challenge is to help people accomplish what they have set out to do and achieve what they thought might just be too difficult to do by themselves. He wants to take everything he has learned through school and personal training and give everyone the chance to learn and succeed just as he has.

Certifications:
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
NSCA Certified personal Trainer
NSCA Certified Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator
NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist
NASM Golf Fitness Specialist
NSPA Certified Weight Performance Coach
NSPA Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Spartan SGX Level 2 Trainer
Precision Nutrition Health Coach Level 1
Precision Nutrition Certified Sleep, Stress, Recovery

Education:
Bachelor of Science: K - 12 Education and Exercise Science - University of Montana Western
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
NSCA Certified personal Trainer
NSCA Certified Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator
NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist
NASM Golf Fitness Specialist
NSPA Certified Weight Performance Coach
NSPA Certified Speed and Agility Coach
Spartan SGX Level 2 Trainer
Precision Nutrition Health Coach Level 1
Precision Nutrition Certified Sleep, Stress, Recovery

Leadership

General Manager

Art Krueger

Having the opportunity to be a part of The Wave, something so much larger than myself, has been the opportunity of a lifetime.

Art is a native Montanan who hails from Great Falls. His passion for teaching and coaching has led to experiences that includes working in education, athletics, healthcare, and fitness.

Art entered the fitness industry in 1994 when he volunteered to work at HealthWorks, a small medical fitness facility in Great Falls, Montana. Art credits any success he has had in the world of fitness to the wonderful people that he had an opportunity to work with at this time of his career.

This same experience working with such dedicated and passionate fitness industry leaders led to his desire to pursue multiple certifications and continuing education. He has been certified by The American College of Sports Medicine as a Fitness Instructor and Older Adult Specialist, and is currently certified at the highest level as a Health Fitness Director by the same organization. He has also held certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

In the past 12 years Art has spent countless hours as a personal trainer as well as instructing group exercise classes, developing programs and managing. He feels his greatest accomplishment is that he has had an opportunity to experience, at every level, each facet of a fitness facility and has gained the understanding of what it takes to be successful. It is his greatest desire to pass along that knowledge to others in hopes to advance The Wave as a premiere aquatic and fitness facility, but and the fitness industry as a whole. The most gratifying moments to me are when I am able to be a genuine part of someone else’s success.

Education:
B.S. Health and Physical Education

Group Fitness Supervisor, Group Fitness Instructor

Kara Coco

Coco is a dedicated and energetic fitness professional with a passion for wellness, movement, and community. With experience in the fitness industry and a strong background in hospitality, She specializes in creating inclusive and engaging wellness experiences that empower individuals to thrive. As an ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor who holds certifications in Oula, Les Mills, and Barre, She brings expertise in event planning, customer service, and team leadership, all centered around fostering a welcoming and uplifting environment.

A military brat from birth, Coco lived in Hawaii, Japan, and several other places before her family settled in the Flathead Valley in 1993. Growing up in Whitefish, she was drawn to movement and expression, participating in cheerleading and choir. After graduating high school in 2006 she participated in the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World, where she gained valuable experience in creating memorable guest experiences.

Returning to Montana, Coco completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and discovered her passion for Group Fitness through Oula Fitness. This format transformed her perspective on health, teaching her to celebrate her body and prioritize inner well-being. This journey led her to become a certified Group Fitness Instructor and later the Group Fitness Supervisor at The Wave in Whitefish.

Coco spent a year teaching English in Japan which strengthened her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This experience deepened her commitment to inclusivity in fitness, reinforcing her belief that wellness is for everyone, regardless of their starting point.

Coco always brings energy, enthusiasm, and a deep love for movement. Group Fitness is her platform to foster camaraderie and inspire others to embrace a holistic approach to health—one that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Her classes are designed to be high-energy, empowering, and filled with loud music, joy, and connection.

Outside of Group Fitness, Coco enjoys traveling and eating foreign cuisine. She also enjoys dancing, theme parties, champagne, spicy food, and spending time with friends and family.

Fitness Manager, Certified Personal Trainer

Geoff Gibb

Geoff received his B.S. degree in Health Club Management from Pacific Union College where he championed a collegiate mountain biking team. He went on to get his M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Montana State University in 1998. Geoff is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Geoff enjoys outdoor recreation such as mountain biking, hiking, hunting, backpacking, four-wheeling, and snow shoeing. Geoff believes that fitness should be fun and functional and enjoys training people who want to improve their quality of life through recreational or competitive aspirations.

Certifications:
National Strength & Conditioning Association - Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
USA Cycling - Registered Sport Coach
Kinesis Certified Functional Exercise Trainer
Functional Movement Systems Level 1

Aquatics Manager

TIFFANY GOULD

Tiffany was born and raised Whitefish and graduated from Whitefish High School in 2003. She attended the University of Montana where she studied Fine Arts. In 2005 she found her way to Spokane, Washington to finish college and became a Red Cross Swimming Instructor. Tiffany then returned to Whitefish in 2007 and has worked her way from swim instructor, lifeguard, supervisor and is now growing into her position as the Aquatics Manager. Tiffany is very passionate about The Wave’s elementary school swim program, making sure every kid gets the opportunity to become comfortable in and around the water. Tiffany is the proud mother of Landon and Sylvi. She enjoys spending time with her husband Sean and children skiing, camping, boating and being outside.

Certifications:
Certified Pool Operator
Current Red Cross Certifications
Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR & AED Professional Rescuer
Water Safety Instructor
Lifeguard Instructor

Children's Services Manager in Training

SARA HALVORSON

I was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, but have lived in Montana since the age of 2. Whitefish has been home for my family and me since 2020, when we moved here from Big Timber, MT. I'm married to my best friend, Luke, who is an Army veteran and Montana native. We have three boys: Joshua, Christopher, and Kamden. If we’re not running one to SBG, then we’re running the others to football or swim lessons! I've always been drawn to kids and all that they bring to the world. I believe children learn best when they are presented with the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild and lead the way in a safe and nurturing environment. Building a child’s confidence at a young age shapes them into the adults they will become later in life. I have worked at The Wave since January 2021, and in October 2024, I eagerly accepted the position of Children's Activities Manager. I plan to spend many, many years caring for children here at The Wave! When I'm not working, you can find me with my family, soaking up all the things the great outdoors has to offer—whether that’s camping, fishing, swimming, or hiking! Work hard, play hard!
Accounts Manager

MARINE JOHNSON

Before moving to the Flathead Valley in 2019, Marine lived, worked, and raised her two kids in St. Ignatius for 25 years. During that time, she earned an AA in Computer Technology from Missoula College in 2006 and a BA in Environmental Communications from the University of Montana – Missoula in 2011. Her experience in bookkeeping and accounting spans three decades, from managing her rental properties to keeping track of the finances for a world renowned Native American art auction house and now most recently her current position as The Wave’s Accounts Manager. “My kids grew up snowboarding in Whitefish and it was always a fun treat to stop in at The Wave afterwards for a swim or a soak in the hot tub, followed by a delicious fruit smoothie at the juice bar. So when the stars aligned and the opportunity to join The Wave team presented itself in early 2019, it was really a no-brainer.” Besides her passion for finance (there’s nothing better than a balanced account!), Marine enjoys working on remodeling and landscaping projects at her home in Columbia Falls, snowboarding on Big Mountain, traveling with her kids, and spending time on the many lakes and rivers all over Western Montana with family and friends.

Certifications:
Accounts Manager

Education:
B.A. Communications
A.A. Computer Technology

Membership Advocate

Robert Merriott

Robert grew up in the woods and coastal waters of Northern California, developing a passion for the outdoors and conservation. In college, he ran long-distance events and has played soccer competitively for nearly 15 years. Before joining the Wave as a Membership Advocate in 2024, he enjoyed a lengthy career in food and beverage, including management roles, sommelier positions, and beverage consultation work.

Robert loves interacting with the members at the Wave, but he feels most at home in the wilderness. Over the past 10 years, he has hiked more than 7,000 miles on long-distance trails worldwide, including the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa trail and several traverses of the United States. He met the love of his life on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015, and after a brief period in New Zealand, they have settled permanently in the Flathead Valley. When not at the Wave, you can find Robert fishing in one of his favorite local spots or backpacking in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Customer Service Manager

MICHELLE MURPHY

Bio Coming Soon
Senior Maintenance Technician

Wayne Smith

Wayne was born in Billings, MT, and his family moved to Columbia Falls when he was just three years old. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1980 and has since held a variety of jobs. After a brief period of semi-retirement, he began working for The Wave. Since joining The Wave in 2010, Wayne has taken on the responsibility of ensuring that the building and equipment are well-maintained and operational.

In addition to his role at The Wave, Wayne runs his own business specializing in the maintenance and repair of gym equipment for various gyms in the valley, homeowners associations, and private clients.

In his free time, Wayne enjoys camping, fishing, riding his side-by-side, and traveling, particularly to sandy coastal destinations.

Membership Advocate

Emma Snedeker

Emma, born in southern Washington and raised in Minnesota, is a gym lover among many things. Emma graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 2024 and spent her high school career making pottery, painting, firefighting, and finding her love for cooking. After a year of volunteer firefighting and working as a barista and front desk assistant at The Wave, Emma brought her love for connection to Membership where she is the first friendly face new members see. When you don’t see Emma at her desk or working out, she is at home with her cat, Angel, listening to her favorite music. Emma finds that The Wave is a community center as well as a fitness facility. With something for everyone, The Wave has fostered an unparalleled sense of community in Whitefish from friendly staff to group classes to the warm fireplace in the lobby.
Housekeeping Manager

TONI ORDOQUI

Toni's all about family, with five kids and nine grandchildren keeping her busy. She's spent over twenty years in construction, mastering management, organization, and problem-solving along the way. Six years ago, she switched gears to Napa Auto Parts, where she became a pro at customer service and leading teams.

Now, as Housekeeping Manager at the Whitefish Wave, Toni's all about making guests feel at home. When she's not on the clock, you'll find her outdoors, shooting bows, hiking, fishing, or just strolling with her pup, Bub. With her love for nature and knack for going the extra mile, Toni's making waves both at work and in her personal life.

Assistant General Manager, Human Resources Generalist

LISA OWENS

Lisa is Columbia Falls born and raised. She graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1997, and from Montana State University-Bozeman in 2002 with a degree in Health Promotion. She has worked at The Wave since 2004, starting out as a Personal Trainer and water aerobics instructor. Since then she has moved into the administration office with many different roles, currently she is the Assistant General Manager/HR. Her time here at The Wave has helped Lisa grow both personally and professionally. Outside of The Wave, Lisa enjoys spending time with her son Dylan, and also enjoys camping, hiking, and just enjoying the great outdoors.

Education:
B.S. Health Promotion
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
HRCI-PHR
SHRM-CP

Administrative Assistant/Swim Instructor

JENN TELLESCH

When did you start working at The Wave?
May 2007

Why do you teach swim lessons?
I teach because I love the water and people. I love keeping everyone learning and growing throughout their life.

Why are swimming lessons important for adults and children?
Important for life and safety. Great for health and vital for anyone near the water.

What is your swimming background?
Swimming since age 2 and teaching or guarding since 1988.

What are your favorite activities or hobbies?
Photography, lifelong learning, & my family

Certifications:
Red Cross Lifeguarding
Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor
Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer
First Aid/CPR/AED
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor

Fascial Stretch Therapists

Massage Therapist/Fascial Stretch Therapy

Sarah Carbajal-Jepsen

Sarah Carbajal was raised in the Flathead Valley. She loves the outdoors, whether it means hiking, rafting, snowboarding or cross country skiing. We all know its a part of living in Montana, taking advantage of all the recreational benefits right in our backyard! With all the extreme sports and fun to be had there is always a need for healing and recovery. Sarah started working in the esthetics industry with a focus on health and well being and it translated right into the path of Massage Therapy. She uses Swedish, Deep Tissue and Therapeutic techniques to help with aches, pains and soreness in order to get back out there and play. She enjoys helping those who need focus work in their recovery from injury or surgery and also those needing a relaxing touch.

Certifications:
FST Level 1
Licensed Massage Therapist

Youth Programs

Preschool Teacher

Tailor Haagerup

I was born and raised in Northern California, but my family relocated to Montana in 2013 where I finished high school in Chester, MT. I then studied Early Childhood education at MSUN for two years while working in childcare facilities. I have worked in the childcare industry for 6 years. I love helping make sure that each family feels safe and secure within. Helping kids isn’t just a job it is a passion. I love being able to help each child feel brave and confident in what they are learning and doing in life.

I have a major love for the outdoors and photography. When at home you can either find me playing with my 3 dogs or hanging with my 5 goats. When the snow hits the ground you can find my husband and I out on the snowmobiles. Photography is a very strong passion of mine, I love being able to capture peoples important life moments.

Preschool Teacher, Swim Instructor

Rebecca Hjertberg

Ms. Rebecca has taught at the All-Aboard Preschool at The Wave for 9 years. Ms. Rebecca's 20 years of experience teaching preschool ranges from Montessori, Christian based programs to Head Start Preschool. Ms. Rebecca is a Certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and teaches group and private swim lessons at The Wave.

Ms. Rebecca’s first college degree is in Business Management and she has worked in resorts in San Diego, Big Fork, Big Mountain and Glacier National Park. She received her Master’s degree in Education at Montana State University in Billings and completed her student teaching in New Zealand. She has taught many grade levels and many subjects, but she likes preschoolers the best.

Ms. Rebecca and her family including her sister Kathy grew up on Flathead Lake and attended Polson Schools. She and her sister helped their Gram Blanche make and perform puppet shows across Montana. Ms. Rebecca likes to spend time with her family camping while experiencing Montana’s great outdoors. Ms. Rebecca is close to her family and donated her kidney to her cousin, Dean, who has diabetes and lives in California. Currently, Ms. Rebecca lives in Whitefish with her husband, Jon and her beloved dog. Ms. Rebecca does not have children of her own, but spends time with her sister’s kids, Xanny and Kaylee who also live in Whitefish. Ms. Rebecca likes to ski, bike, hike and raft. She has even enjoyed skydiving. Ms. Rebecca likes to travel to see and do new things. Ms. Rebecca is a dedicated professional instructor who loves to help children learn new things.

Certifications:
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification
Red Cross CPR and First Aid Training
State of Montana Educator License
Montana Early Care and Education Practitioner Registry