Meet the Instructors

I grew up involved in sports, and now, as a busy young mother struggling to find time for myself, HIGH Fitness has renewed my love of being active and strengthening myself physically and mentally. Through first attending classes and eventually teaching, I have realized that there are many people feeling the same way. I'm so happy to share what I have found within the High Fitness community with others.

Since I started, in 2002, my first certificate of Pilates, I knew that was the perfect workout for me. I became an enthusiastic fan of the method. So, I embraced Pilates not only to get fit and strong, but also as an invigorating way of living. When you introduce Pilates in your routine of workout, and its principles, you are connecting your body and mind, which promotes you into a deeply knowledge of your body and emotions managing situations of stress in your daily life or just to find a relaxing night of sleep easily.

My first yoga class was a Hot Flow and I loved it! I was instantly addicted to this challenging workout which tested balance, concentration, focus, and further, created space where I was once stuck. I started practicing yoga daily, not realizing till much later there was something more that was drawing me to my mat. It is more than what the pose looks like, and the benefits are achieved both on and off your mat when you prioritize time for you - time for self-care, movement, and mindfulness - each and every day.

Sarah has enjoyed participating in sports and exercise since early childhood.  She decided to pursue a career as a personal fitness trainer and attained a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta, with a major of Active Living Health and Well Being. She also has her TRX and AFLCA certifications in group fitness.  She has trained herself in many different sports and races over the years including soccer, a marathon, triathlons, Tough Mudder and Spartan Races. Sarah is a huge Oilers fan, you will find her on her couch watching every game, and probably eating candy!

Truus Verkley is the artistic director of Puddle of Mud Productions and has been teaching students of all ages for more than 17 years. Truus has created and implemented arts education programs in schools (K-12), daycares, community centers and community programs in both Calgary and Edmonton and often works as an artist in residence with students. Creativity is very important to her and the programs she creates, and this what she builds the foundation of Puddle of Mud's 'fun-first' programs on.

I brought Sportball to Edmonton in 2008 and have loved it from the start. I have coached Sportball and ran the company since 2008. I have worked for NBC Basketball camps for 20 years and have been directing camps in Edmonton since 2009. My mission is to have every child who I lead feel loved and encouraged. I want them to be confident in who they are and be excited to attack life with an adventurous outlook. I do this by delivering excellent educational instruction that builds their confidence and by giving them constant encouragement.

Sarah is a fitness professional with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Alberta. She’s spent her seven-year career coaching and motivating women to build stronger, fitter bodies and minds. Coaching is her means to positively affect people’s lives and show them that they can do anything as long as they’re willing to work for it. She believes maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle should be a priority for everyone at all ages. When not in the gym, you can find her spending time with family, baking, cooking up a storm, or enjoying her guilty pleasure reality tv.

Karate instructor with over 25 years of karate experience. I have my second-degree black belt, getting ready for my third. My goal is to spread the spirit, history, culture, and techniques of karate aswell  educate students in the traditional  Kyokushin style, ultimately training their hearts and bodies to become equally strong fighters and peaceful individuals.

Everyone has the potential to learn and practice karate. We have fun from time to time, the training is pretty rigorous and strict, starting with the most basic technique and gradually evolving towards learning the advanced ones while strengthening the mind and body.