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.
KIRA PEARY
Kinesiologist, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Kira recently completed her Kinesiology degree with Honours at the University of Victoria where she also played on the varsity women's rugby team. She has a wide range of experience working with competitive athletes, older adults, as well as general populations. Her academic background combined with her hands on experience allows her to bring both science and real-world application into her practice as a kinesiologist.
Kira takes a patient-centered approach to health and performance, recognizing that every person has different goals, needs, and experiences. As a former elite athlete, Kira brings a strong understanding of athletic performance, team culture, and mental resilience to her coaching. She’s passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment that empowers people to take ownership of their health and feel strong in their bodies.
Kira is currently furthering her education with a Master's of Science in Kinesiology - Specifically researching cerebrovascular exercise physiology with a focus on women's health. Her work bridges academic research with clinical practice to better support the outcomes of her clients.
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.
Matthew Bishop
Personal Trainer & Kinesiologist
Matthew is a CFES-certified personal trainer in the final semester of his Kinesiology degree. A former NCAA-level competitive lacrosse player, he understands the demands
athletes face and is dedicated to supporting them throughout their development. His coaching approach is personalized and athlete-centered, ensuring every individual is both challenged and engaged. With over six years of coaching experience in lacrosse and rock climbing, Matthew has worked with athletes of all ages and abilities. Recently he has volunteered with the Canucks Autism Network, reinforcing his commitment to inclusive, active lifestyles across the lifespan.Matthew’s current focus is on longevity and sustainable training, aiming to help clients improve their health and obtain performance goals.
He hopes to pursue a Masters in Physiotherapy in the coming year to further integrate his strength and conditioning background with evidence-based rehabilitation and wellness practices. Matthew is passionate about empowering people to stay active, healthy, and strong throughout their lives and is always excited to be a part of their journey.
Jeannine Garside
Boxing World Champion & Coach
Jeannine Garside is a former two time World Champion boxer and a member of the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame. Over her career, she earned multiple national and international titles, becoming known for her technical skill, relentless work ethic, and fierce competitive spirit. Beyond her own achievements in the ring, Jeannine has dedicated years to coaching and mentoring athletes of all ages and abilities, from beginners to competitive fighters.
Her coaching style blends deep technical knowledge with a focus on building confidence, discipline, and resilience. Jeannine believes that boxing is not only a sport but also a powerful tool for self-empowerment, helping people develop strength, focus, and self-belief that extends beyond the gym.
Passionate about making the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone, Jeannine creates an inclusive, encouraging environment where students can challenge themselves, learn new skills, and feel supported in their own personal fitness journeys. Whether you’re trying boxing for the first time or looking to refine your technique, her classes are designed to help you grow as both an athlete and an individual.
Aidyn Hart
Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Aidyn is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. With over three years of experience coaching athletes and working as a trainer alongside the Navy and Military, Aidyn is passionate about helping individuals unlock their full athletic potential through strength training and peak performance development.
A former high-performance baseball player with over eight years competing at an elite level, Aidyn brings firsthand knowledge of the discipline, dedication, and resilience required to excel in sport. His coaching approach blends evidence based training methods with a motivating, goal driven environment that pushes athletes to the next level.
Outside the gym, you can find Aidyn catching waves in the ocean or working on his golf game.
