Coaches
AVI SHARABI
Owner, Kinesiologist, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Avi is the founder of Kin-Strength, driven by a mission to instill lifelong strength through movement. She combines advanced education and practical experience to support athletes in achieving their goals. Avi holds a Master’s in Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) from Edith Cowan University and a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Victoria, providing a strong foundation in athletic performance and rehabilitation.
Avi has worked extensively with developmental, varsity, and professional athletes across a variety of sports. Her experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach is focused on data-driven, evidence-based programming designed to enhance physical capacities, prevent injuries, and optimize performance. As a Kinesiologist, she integrates exercise science and complementary therapies to address musculoskeletal injuries and support recovery.
With a passion for athletic development and lifelong strength, Avi empowers athletes to unlock their full potential, achieve peak performance, and build resilience for long-term success.
NAOMI OGAWA
Sports Nutritionist, Athletic Therapist &
Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Naomi offers a unique blend of expertise to support athletes at all levels. With a Bachelor of Human Kinetics (UBC), a Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy (Camosun College), and a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning and Sports Nutrition (Concordia University Chicago). Additionally, Naomi is NSCA-CSCS and CAT(C) certified.
Naomi has worked with BC Rugby Union, the Canadian Armed Forces, Belmont Softball Academy, and PISE, coaching athletes from diverse sports like hockey, gymnastics, football, and adaptive sports. Her sports nutrition experience includes workshops for BC Rugby and Belmont Softball, equipping athletes with fueling strategies to optimize performance.
From injury recovery to strength development and personalized nutrition, Naomi’s multidisciplinary approach empowers athletes to reach their full potential.
Finn Battersby
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Climbing Coach, Kinesiologist (In progress)
Finn brings a wealth of experience to Kin-Strength, blending his competitive climbing background with a passion for coaching. Over six years, he secured podium finishes at Canadian Senior Nationals and competed internationally before shifting his focus to coaching youth athletes. His diverse experience includes three years as a climbing coach in Victoria, six years as a routesetter across Vancouver Island, and time at Frontrunners Footwear, deepening his expertise in movement mechanics, injury prevention, and athlete development.
Now in his final year of a Kinesiology degree, Finn is eager to further explore health and exercise science. Outside of coaching and studying, he thrives in outdoor pursuits like trail running, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering. A local Arc’teryx Victoria ambassador, he promotes performance and environmental stewardship.
This past year, Finn embarked on a 21-day bikepacking and climbing expedition, learned to bake sourdough, and embraced every outdoor moment. His coaching philosophy centers on strength, resilience, and balance—helping athletes thrive both in sport and life.
Julia Folk
Counsellor, Mental Health & Performance Coach
Julia is a clinical counsellor based in south Vancouver Island with a strong commitment to supporting individuals in navigating both their mental and physical well-being. Holding a Master's degree in Counselling, as well as a combined Bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology, Julia has a well-rounded foundation that allows for a holistic approach to mental health performance for athletes.
Having been an elite athlete herself, Julia brings personal insight to her practice. This experience enhances her ability to connect with athletes on a deeper level, recognizing the unique challenges and pressures they face both on and off the field. With athletes, Julia centers her approach on self compassion, mental resilience and the destigmatization of mental health conversations in general.
When working with teams or individuals, Julia tailors her evidence based approach and programming to meet the needs and goals of the client. In all cases, she always promotes mental health literacy, provides and supports a non-judgemental environment that fosters growth, and provides take-away strategies for each individual to realize their best self.
